SINGAPORE: Law and Home Affairs Minister K Shanmugam has strongly condemned the killing of emergency workers in Gaza by Israeli soldiers, emphasising that their actions warrant “universal condemnation.” This statement came following revelations from video evidence that countered Israel’s initial justification for the shootings.
Details of the Incident
On 23 March 2024, Israeli soldiers opened fire on a convoy of emergency vehicles, resulting in the deaths of 15 medics from various organisations, including the Red Cross and the UN. The footage, recovered from the mobile phone of one of the deceased and released by the Palestinian Red Crescent, depicted emergency workers in their uniforms, with lights flashing, being targeted by soldiers.
Changing Narratives
- Initially, the Israeli Army claimed the shooting was a response to a perceived threat due to the vehicles approaching “suspiciously”.
- However, Mr Shanmugam pointed out that the Army later admitted its account was inaccurate.
- He has characterised the situation as one filled with “massacres and lies” and believes that the military has a higher obligation to uphold integrity.
Questioning Justifications
While acknowledging that Israel might cite Hamas’ tactics as a rationale for their military operations, Shanmugam challenged the validity of such comparisons. He questioned whether these assertions could justify actions by a state that prides itself on being governed by the Rule of Law. “These actions deserve universal condemnation,” he reiterated.
Israeli Military Response
In response to the incident, the Israeli Defence Force stated that a preliminary inquiry has been initiated to examine the events leading to the shootings. They maintain that all claims related to the incident will be investigated thoroughly.
The need for accountability and transparency in military actions, especially those leading to civilian casualties, remains a critical topic in international discussions regarding war ethics and humanitarian laws.