Israel Strikes Gaza Civil Defence, Reports Middle East Monitor

Israeli allegations that Gaza ambulances were used to transport fighters have been categorically denied by the Gaza Strip’s General Directorate of Civil Defence. In a strongly-worded statement released Wednesday, the directorate dismissed the claims as “completely false” and provided context for footage circulated by the Israeli military.

The controversy stems from video material released by Israel purportedly showing ambulances being misused for military purposes. According to the directorate’s press statement, the individuals visible in the footage were actually civil police officers carrying personal weapons while performing their official duties—specifically, clearing paths for ambulances transporting wounded civilians.

“Ambulances have never been used by any armed groups,” the directorate emphasized in its statement, directly challenging Israel’s characterization of the events.

The Gaza Civil Defence organization accused Israel of deliberately manipulating visual evidence through selective editing and fabrication to “mislead public opinion.” The directorate suggested that these allegations serve as pretext for Israel’s continued military actions against medical personnel and facilities in the embattled territory.

Since the current conflict escalated in October 2023, healthcare infrastructure in Gaza has faced unprecedented challenges. The World Health Organization has documented numerous attacks on medical facilities, ambulances, and healthcare workers throughout the hostilities. International humanitarian law explicitly prohibits targeting medical units and personnel, which are afforded special protection during armed conflicts.

The directorate further stressed that such allegations threaten to undermine critical humanitarian work in a region already facing severe medical shortages. Gaza’s healthcare system has been operating under extreme pressure, with hospitals functioning well beyond capacity while facing shortages of medical supplies, electricity, and fuel.

In its statement, the Gaza Civil Defence reaffirmed its commitment to operating in accordance with international laws and conventions governing humanitarian work in conflict zones. These include the Geneva Conventions, which establish clear protections for medical personnel and facilities during armed conflicts.

The organization called on human rights groups and media outlets to scrutinize Israel’s claims and help protect humanitarian workers operating under dangerous conditions. Independent verification of claims from either side remains challenging given limited access for international observers and journalists in active combat zones.

This incident highlights the ongoing information war that has accompanied the physical conflict, with both sides accusing each other of manipulations and violations of international humanitarian law. The protection of medical personnel and facilities remains a critical concern for humanitarian organizations operating in Gaza, where civilian infrastructure has been severely damaged during months of fighting.

The controversy comes as Gaza’s civil defense capabilities have been stretched to breaking point. In a separate development, the organization recently announced it had been forced to temporarily halt recovery operations of Palestinian bodies due to fuel shortages—further illustrating the dire humanitarian conditions in the territory.

As the conflict continues, international humanitarian law experts emphasize that all parties have obligations to protect medical personnel, facilities, and transport regardless of the broader military situation. The allegations and counter-allegations underscore the challenges of maintaining humanitarian norms in one of the world’s most intractable conflicts.