Survivor's Testimony Contradicts Israeli Claims on Gaza Medics Attack

Munther Abed's survival of an Israeli attack on Gaza paramedics starkly contradicts the military’s claim of targeting Hamas operatives. His firsthand account emphasizes the need for accountability and humanitarian respect in conflict zones, igniting calls for an investigation into the tragic incident.

In the early hours of March 23, a devastating attack by Israeli forces resulted in the deaths of 15 emergency workers in Gaza. Munther Abed, a paramedic and the lone survivor of the incident, describes his harrowing experience, asserting that he saw everything unfold from the back of his ambulance. Abed recounted how he survived the assault by diving to the floor as his colleagues in the front were shot, stating, "I'm the only survivor who saw what happened to my colleagues."

Abed explained that his team from the Palestinian Red Crescent, along with Gaza's Civil Defence agency and the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (Unrwa), had been dispatched to the scene following reports of gunfire. He noted that all emergency vehicles were properly marked. However, the Israeli military claimed that the vehicles advanced suspiciously towards their troops without proper coordination and turned off their lights. Israeli officials also alleged that the operation killed several Hamas operatives, including Mohammed Amin Ibrahim Shubaki, who was implicated in the organization's activities.

Challenging the Israeli narrative, Abed denied any connection between humanitarian efforts and militant activities. "All crews are civilian," he stated firmly, emphasizing their mission to provide emergency medical services devoid of political affiliations. The father of one slain paramedic decried the killing of his son as "cold blood," highlighting a wave of grief and outrage that swept through the Gaza community.

The bodies of the emergency workers were discovered buried in shallow graves, and international organizations were only allowed to recover them a week after the attack. Sam Rose, acting director of Unrwa in Gaza, remarked on the indignity faced by the deceased. He insisted that a full investigation is essential to uncover the truth behind the incident.

As of now, Israel has not committed to any inquiry, and the United Nations reports that over 1,060 healthcare workers have died in the ongoing conflict, raising serious concerns about the safety of humanitarian personnel. The shocking accounts from Munther Abed emphasize the pressing need for accountability and recognition of the challenges faced by medics in war zones, calling attention to the broader implications of such violence on civilian lives.