Summary of the Examination Into the Incident Involving Rescue Teams and Vehicles in the Gaza Strip

The examination into the incident in which rescue teams and vehicles were shot at in the Gaza Strip by IDF troops’ fire was conducted by the General Staff Fact Finding Mechanism, led by MG (res.) Yoav Har-Even and was presented to the Chief of the General Staff, LTG Eyal Zamir.

The examination included extensive data collection from operational systems, the forces on the ground, and along the entire chain of command. This included debriefings conducted by units in the field, in the division, and in the Southern Command, as well as relevant operational orders and directives, footage from various surveillance systems active during the event, and radio recordings. Additionally, the event was reconstructed in the field, and relevant operational personnel were questioned. The examination was conducted by a senior and professional team within the Mechanism, separate from the operational chain of command, with full backing from the Chief of the General Staff to perform all necessary actions to uncover the truth.

The findings show that the incident occurred in a hostile and dangerous combat zone, under a widespread threat to the operating troops. The backdrop of the incident is the challenge and the responsibility of the IDF to respect and protect medical teams and facilities carrying out their duties, while also confronting Hamas' repeated use of such infrastructure for terrorism, including using ambulances to transport terrorists and weapons.

The examination found no evidence to support claims of execution or that any of the deceased were bound before or after the shooting. Such claims are blood libels and false accusations against IDF soldiers.

On the night of the incident, March 23, 2025, the troops were conducting a vital mission aimed at targeting terrorists.

Throughout the operation, vehicles and ambulances moved along the route without obstruction, since the forces did not perceive any threat posed by them. The forces also apprehended two pedestrians who raised suspicion, and released them subsequently. This indicates that the troops did not engage in indiscriminate fire but remained alert to respond to real threats identified by them.

There were three shooting incidents on that day:

First incident – The troops fired at a vehicle identified as a Hamas vehicle. Following this, the troops remained on high alert for further potential threats.

Second incident – Approximately an hour later, the troops opened fire on suspects emerging from a fire truck and ambulances very close to the area in which the troops were operating, after perceiving an immediate and tangible threat. Supporting surveillance had reported five vehicles approaching rapidly and stopping near the troops, with passengers quickly disembarking. The deputy battalion commander assessed the vehicles as employed by Hamas forces, who arrived to assist the first vehicle’s passengers. Under this impression and sense of threat, he ordered to open fire. Fifteen Palestinians were killed, six of whom were identified in a retrospective examination as Hamas terrorists . Due to poor night visibility, the deputy commander did not initially recognize the vehicles as ambulances. Only later, after approaching the vehicles and scanning them, was it discovered that these were indeed rescue teams.


Third incident – About 15 minutes later, the troops fired at a Palestinian UN vehicle due to operational errors in breach of regulations The troops’ commander initially reported the event, and additional details emerged later in the examination.


At dawn, it was decided to gather and cover the bodies to prevent further harm and clear the vehicles from the route in preparation for civilian evacuation. The body removal and vehicle crushing were carried out by field commanders. The examination concluded that removing the bodies was reasonable under the circumstances, but the decision to crush the vehicles was wrong . In general, there was no attempt to conceal the event, which was discussed with international organizations and the UN, including coordination for the removal of bodies.

The examination determined that the fire in the first two incidents resulted from an operational misunderstanding by the troops, who believed they faced a tangible threat from enemy forces. The third incident involved a breach of orders during a combat setting.

In its conclusion of the examination process, the Chief of the General Staff emphasized the commitment to continuing the fight against Hamas while upholding IDF values, operational discipline, and orders. He affirmed that the Golani Reconnaissance Battalion is a professional and high-quality battalion that has been operating with great distinction for a year and a half. Alongside this, the examination identified several professional failures, breaches of orders, and a failure to fully report the incident.

The Chief of the General Staff and the Commanding Officer of the Southern Command accepted the examination’s findings. The Chief of the General Staff accepted the Commanding Officer of the Southern Command’s recommendation on the following command measures:

The Commanding Officer of the 14th Brigade will receive a reprimand, which will be recorded in his personal file, for his overall responsibility for the incident, including the procedure of combat and management of the scene afterward.

The deputy commander of the Golani Reconnaissance Battalion will be dismissed from his position due to his responsibilities as the field commander in this incident and for providing an incomplete and inaccurate report during the debrief.

The commanders emphasized that the deputy commander of the Golani Reconnaissance Battalion is a highly respected officer, whose military service and personal story reflect a spirit of combat, volunteerism, and great dedication. Following October 7th, he returned from abroad to serve in reserve duty, continued to operate in Gaza until he was injured in the combat, and returned to service after his recovery. Over the past six months, he was on active reserve duty and served as the battalion’s deputy commander.

The IDF regrets the harm caused to uninvolved civilians. The examination process also serves as part of an ongoing effort to learn from operational incidents and reduce the likelihood of similar occurrences in the future. Existing protocols have been clarified and reinforced - emphasizing the need for heightened caution when operating near rescue forces and medical personnel, even in high-intensity combat zones.

The findings will be submitted to the Military Advocate General’s Office.