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Recent findings have emerged regarding the deaths of 15 Palestinian medics and rescue workers, allegedly resulting from Israeli military actions in the Gaza Strip last month. These findings call into question claims made by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) that their soldiers did not engage in indiscriminate fire directed at medical personnel.
According to a report from the Israeli daily Haaretz, an analysis of the IDF’s own investigative materials has revealed inconsistencies with the army’s assertions. Specifically, rather than refraining from indiscriminate shooting, the soldiers reportedly fired sustained gunfire at ambulances and a fire engine for three and a half minutes during the early hours of March 23, despite the aid workers’ attempts to indicate their presence and intent.
In a related development, the family of Assad al-Nsasrah—the sole survivor of the attack—has submitted a petition to Israel’s Supreme Court requesting information about his detention. Though Israeli authorities confirmed last week that Nsasrah is in custody, he is currently held under emergency wartime regulations that allow for the secrecy of detainees’ whereabouts and restrict their access to legal counsel for 45 days. As such, Nsasrah will not have legal representation until May 7.
In political news, the Israeli Supreme Court granted Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu an extension until Sunday to respond to an affidavit issued by Ronen Bar, his dismissed Shin Bet chief. Netanyahu is expected to challenge Bar’s assertions, which were presented in a detailed affidavit earlier this week, alleging misconduct in his role as head of Israel’s internal security service.
The Supreme Court’s intervention to halt Bar’s dismissal followed widespread public protests and a petition from Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara, citing potential legal concerns regarding the firing. The ongoing conflict between Netanyahu and Bar could elevate political tensions in Israel, with implications for governance and security operations.
The Shin Bet has been probing Netanyahu’s close advisors over suspected national security violations, including allegations related to classified information leaks to foreign media and unauthorized financial dealings with Qatar—an entity known for its financial support of Hamas.
In his affidavit, Bar accused Netanyahu of attempting to remove him due to his refusal to comply with requests that included spying on anti-government activists and seeking to delay Netanyahu’s own testimony in an ongoing criminal trial. Bar also indicated that he had been led to believe he needed to demonstrate unwavering loyalty to the prime minister.
Netanyahu, in turn, has expressed a loss of confidence in Bar’s leadership capability. His recent statements further escalated tensions as he shared a recording alleging that the Shin Bet was engaged in suppression of right-wing activists.
The relationship between Netanyahu and Bar has clearly deteriorated, particularly following the revelation of a Shin Bet investigation that highlighted lapses in policy leading up to the devastating Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023. This assault resulted in the deaths of over 1,200 individuals, predominantly civilians, and the abduction of 251 others, sparking a protracted conflict in Gaza.
Arnon Bar-David, head of Israel’s influential Histadrut labor union, warned of potential nationwide strikes should the government ignore a ruling from the Supreme Court mandating Bar’s reinstatement, labeling this scenario a “red line.”
Previous strikes organized by Histadrut have already put significant pressure on Netanyahu’s far-right government, notably a strike in March 2023 that emerged after the dismissal of Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and another in September 2024 advocating for a hostage negotiation and ceasefire in response to the ongoing violence in Gaza.
Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes in Gaza on Wednesday resulted in the deaths of at least 28 individuals, as reported by the territory’s health ministry, which the United Nations has deemed to be credible in its information.
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www.theguardian.com