What can be learned from the IDF inquiry into killing of medics in Gaza? – analysis

The Israel Defense Forces recently provided a summary of its examination of an incident in which Israeli soldiers fired on and killed a number of Gaza medical and rescue personnel.

The IDF said, “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.”

However, the summary leaves several key questions unanswered. Among them are why the vehicles in an aid convoy were crushed and how it was determined that six of the dead were terrorists.

The investigation led to several conclusions. “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 comba...
[Short citation of 8% of the original article]