An Israeli military investigation into the killing of 15 Palestinian medics and emergency workers has labelled it an "operational misunderstanding", saying "poor night visibility" led troops to open fire on ambulances.
The deputy commander of the battalion involved in the attack has been dismissed as a result of the probe, with the investigation saying his recollection of the incident was "incomplete and inaccurate".
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has faced significant criticism over the attack in southern Gaza on March 23 after the bodies of eight paramedics, six Gaza civil defence workers and one United Nations staffer were found in a shallow grave next to the crushed wreckage of their vehicles.
The IDF initially said the convoy had been fired on because it was believed to be a group of Hamas vehicles and the ambulances were not using their emergency lights.
But the Palestinian Red Crescent Society (PRCS) quickly released video from one of the slain paramedic's phone, showing the vehicles had red lights flashing in the moments before a barrage of gunfire targeted the group.
Medics and forensic experts who had seen some of the bodies after they were recovered alleged there was evidence the men had been shot execution style in the head, and their hands and feet had been tied.
One medic is still missing, with the International Red Cross saying he is being held by Israeli forces.
Israeli military says 'no evidence' of execution
The IDF commissioned an internal inquiry into the attack, and reported its findings on Sunday afternoon local time.
In a statement the military said it "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," the IDF said in a statement.
The inquiry said there were three separate shootings — which happened after other emergency vehicles had been allowed to pass through the area near Tel al-Sultan in southern Gaza.
"Troops did not engage in indiscriminate fire but remained alert to respond to real threats identified by them," the IDF said.
The first attack, which hit an ambulance, was against what the military said was "a vehicle identified as a Hamas vehicle".
Other emergency crews were racing to find that ambulance, which had run off the road, when they were fired upon.
"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," the IDF said.
"Supporting surveillance had reported five vehicles approaching rapidly and stopping near the troops, with passengers quickly disembarking.
"Due to poor night visibility, the deputy commander did not initially recognise the vehicles as ambulances.
"Only later, after approaching the vehicles and scanning them, was it discovered that these were indeed rescue teams."
The statement did not directly address the video showing emergency lights were being used.
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IDF maintains six Hamas terrorists in group
The IDF still maintains six Hamas terrorists were in the group — but has only named one of the men, and provided no evidence to back up its claim.
"About 15 minutes later, the troops fired at a Palestinian UN vehicle due to operational errors in breach of regulations," the IDF said.
The state of the bodies and their vehicles, buried in a shallow grave, had led to accusations against the military it had been trying to cover up the attack — knowing an attack on medics and humanitarians was illegal under international law.
"The examination concluded that removing the bodies was reasonable under the circumstances, but the decision to crush the vehicles was wrong," the IDF said.
"In general, there was no attempt to conceal the event, which was discussed with international organisations and the UN, including coordination for the removal of bodies."
The IDF said it "regrets the harm caused to uninvolved civilians", but again said the attack happened in a "hostile and dangerous combat zone".
It said the findings of the inquiry had been referred to the Military Advocate General's Office — a move which suggested those involved could face charges within the military justice system.
The ABC has contacted the Palestinian Red Crescent Society for comment.
