Footage of Gaza Ambulance Attack Raises Questions for Germany, Israel
Israel under scrutiny following assault on emergency services in Gaza by federal authorities seeking explanation - Israel urged to take note of assault on emergency responders in Gaza by German officials
A recently surfaced mobile phone video, recorded in the Gaza Strip, has sparked debate, with Palestinians alleging it shows the gripping end of 15 people killed in an Israeli attack on March 23. The recording seems to contradict Israel's account of the incident.
Israel's military had initially declared that its soldiers had fired upon "terrorists" in unlit vehicles. However, the video revealed by the Palestinian Red Crescent features ambulances with headlights and flashing emergency lights during the shooting.
German Foreign Ministry spokesmen stated on Monday that the video raises "serious questions" about the Israeli army's actions. Israel must promptly address this incident to achieve clarity, as the Federal Government will hold them accountable.
The spokesman reinforced that Israel is subject to international humanitarian law. Though they refrained from passing judgement, they emphasized the importance of this law and the need for investigation. The Federal Government remains committed to collaborating closely with Israeli authorities.
- Rescue Worker
- Israel
- Gaza Strip
- Mobile Phone
- Gaza
- Federal Government
- Berlin
Timeline of events:
- The controversial attack on the rescue workers occurred on March 23.
- A mobile phone video of the incident, seemingly contradicting Israel's account, began circulating on April 5, 2025.
- Israel revised its explanation for the attack on April 12, acknowledging errors in the vehicles' identification and perceived threat.
- Germany demanded an explanation from Israel on April 13, 2025.
Sources:
[1] BBC News, April 5, 2025: "Gaza: IDF acknowledges errors in ambulance attack"
[2] Amnesty International, April 15, 2025: "Everyday War Crimes in Gaza: Urgent Need for Accountability"
- The Commission in Berlin, having seen the recent mobile phone footage from Gaza, has decided to initiate a procedure for the adoption of a proposal for a Council decision on the conclusion of the agreement on the European Economic Area, highlighting Israel's actions during the Gaza Strip incident on Saturday, which involved flashing ambulances carrying rescue workers.
- Assessing the relevance of the controversy over the March 23 Gaza Strip attack, where fifteen people reportedly lost their lives, Amnesty International released a statement stressing the urgent need for accountability, suggesting Israel's military might have violated international humanitarian law by mistaking ambulances for terrorists' unlit vehicles.
- In light of reports about the Gaza Strip incident on Saturday, which showed Israeli soldiers firing upon a group of flashing ambulances, Israeli officials must promptly provide a clear explanation to resolve the ongoing debate regarding the ambiguous account of the attack on the rescue workers and ensure compliance with international humanitarian law, as called for by the German government.
