In a poignant account, Munther Abed reveals the harrowing details of an Israeli strike on a Gaza ambulance that resulted in the deaths of 15 emergency workers. He disputes Israeli military justifications for the attack, highlighting his role as a civilian medic dedicated to saving lives.
Gaza Paramedic Challenges Israeli Narrative Following Deadly Attack on Emergency Workers
Gaza Paramedic Challenges Israeli Narrative Following Deadly Attack on Emergency Workers
Munther Abed, the only survivor of an Israeli attack that killed 15 paramedics, disputes military claims of justified fire, asserting humanitarian protocols were breach.
Amidst the ongoing conflict in Gaza, a tragic incident has emerged, adding to the growing distress faced by first responders in the region. Munther Abed, the only survivor of an Israeli attack that claimed the lives of 15 emergency workers, is speaking out against the official narrative presented by Israeli forces. "I'm the only survivor who saw what happened to my colleagues," he recounted, showing pictures of the fallen medics on his phone, filled with shared memories and camaraderie.
The attack occurred early on March 23, while Abed and his team from the Palestinian Red Crescent and the UN's humanitarian agency were responding to reports of gunfire in southern Rafah. "Roughly by 04:30, all Civil Defence vehicles were in place," Abed explained, detailing their coordination before suddenly facing direct fire around 05:00. Israeli officials have justified their actions, asserting that the ambulances were moving suspiciously toward their troops without communication or lights, which they claim led to the shooting.
However, Abed strongly contests this characterization. He stressed the clear signaling that marked their vehicles, asserting that all necessary lights were activated until they came under fire. Following the attack, he was pulled from the wreckage but faced a lengthy interrogation by Israeli soldiers before his release.
The Israeli Foreign Minister, Gideon Saar, aligned with the military's stance, citing the deaths of several individuals linked to Hamas. Yet, the names of the deceased medics do not correspond to the alleged threats posed. Abed vehemently denounces claims that Hamas may have misused ambulances as cover, insisting that their sole duty was to provide emergency medical services devoid of any militant affiliations.
As Gaza mourns the loss of its dedicated paramedics, families and colleagues call for accountability and justice. The emotional toll among the medical community has grown heavier, with the acting director of UN relief operations condemning the treatment of the deceased workers, who were only retrieved from makeshift graves a week after the assault.
The local and international outcry continues, with figures highlighting the countless healthcare workers lost during the conflict, urging an independent investigation to clarify the events of that fateful morning. "If I was not the only survivor, who could have told the world what they did to our colleagues, and who would have told their story?" Abed reflected, emphasizing his commitment to bring awareness to the tragedy faced by his profession. In a climate where humanitarian efforts are increasingly endangered, the future for medical responders in Gaza remains uncertain.
