IDF: Gazan medic killed last week ‘not intentionally fired upon’

An initial investigation performed by the Israeli military concluded that the Palestinian medic shot during a Gaza riot last week was not deliberately targeted.

By: World Israel News Staff

On Tuesday, the IDF announced results from an initial investigation of the death of a Palestinian medic shot last week near the Gaza border during violent riots. After the medic succumbed to her wounds, United Nations representatives and Arab-Israeli lawmakers condemned the IDF.

While the Israeli military disclosed that soldiers had fired shots in the area, it confirmed that the gunfire was not aimed at Razan Najjar, the 21-year-old volunteer medic at the center of the controversy.

“During the incident, a limited number of bullets were fired and no gunfire was directly or intentionally fired at her,” the IDF said in a statement.

Under the Israeli army’s rules of engagement, use of live fire is restricted to cases of direct threats to life or damage to security infrastructure. The IDF also avoids targeting children, women, medics and journalists.

Based on the IDF’s initial investigation, it appears Najjar was struck by misdirected fire or a ricochet while she worked near the security fence close to the Gaza Strip town of Khan Younis.

The IDF General Staff also initiated its own investigation and will present its findings to the Military Advocate General, prior to a determination regarding criminal proceedings.

Najjar donned a white coat at the time of the incident, which identifies the wearer as a medical professional.

“I told her it was dangerous to approach [the security barrier] but she answered that she was not afraid to die and wanted to help the young man,” said a fellow medic to Gaza reporters, according to Haaretz.