**Israeli Attack on Ambulance in Gaza Sparks Outrage**
In a shocking incident that has left the world stunned, 15 emergency workers were killed when their ambulance was attacked by Israeli forces in Gaza. The attack occurred on March 23, and the victims were from the Palestinian Red Crescent and UN agencies.
**A Survivor’s Story**
Munther Abed, a paramedic who survived the attack, shared his harrowing experience with BBC. He was driving behind two ambulances carrying his colleagues when they came under fire at around 5am. Munther dove to the ground in the back of the ambulance as his co-workers were shot. He disputes the Israeli military‘s claim that their forces opened fire because the vehicles moved suspiciously without coordination and with lights turned off.
**The Incident Unfolds**
According to Munther, both external and internal lights were on until the vehicle was under direct fire. He was then pulled from the wreckage, arrested, and blindfolded by Israeli soldiers. He was interrogated for 15 hours before being released. This account raises serious questions about the Israeli military’s version of events.
**Lack of Investigation**
Despite numerous attempts to contact them, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have not yet responded to BBC’s queries. Gideon Saar, a spokesperson for Israel’s Foreign Ministry, claimed that the IDF did not randomly attack an ambulance, but rather suspected vehicles without headlights or warning signals were advancing towards troops. However, this explanation contradicts Munther’s account and raises concerns about the lack of investigation into the incident.
**Condemnation and Calls for Accountability**
The killing of 15 emergency workers has sparked widespread condemnation and calls for accountability. Gaza’s paramedics took their own colleagues to funerals earlier this week, sparking an outcry among the international community. A father who lost his son described the incident as “cold-blooded”. International agencies were only able to access the area a week later, retrieving the bodies which were buried in the sand along with wrecked ambulances and UN vehicles.
**UN Response**
Sam Rose, acting director at Unrwa Gaza, said that 15 people died and they were treated inhumanely, possibly violating international humanitarian law. He stressed that only a thorough investigation will reveal the truth. This incident highlights the need for greater accountability and transparency in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
As we reflect on this tragic event, it’s clear that the Israeli military’s actions have serious implications for the protection of civilians and emergency workers. The lack of investigation into this incident raises concerns about the IDF’s commitment to upholding international humanitarian law. As the world demands answers, it’s essential that those responsible are held accountable for their actions.
The consequences of this attack will be far-reaching, affecting not only the families of the victims but also the broader community in Gaza. It’s imperative that we learn from this tragedy and work towards creating a more peaceful and secure environment for all parties involved.