Former Israeli drone operator alleges targeting of ambulances in Gaza

A former Israeli drone operator, using the pseudonym ‘Nir’, has provided testimony to Haaretz regarding military conduct during operations in Gaza. Having served 10 years in the military, Nir stated that following the start of attacks in October 2023, there appeared to be ‘no rules’ in place.

Nir alleged that the military targeted ambulances that were clearly identifiable as medical vehicles. Specifically, he cited an incident in Rafah on March 23, 2025, where a medical convoy with sirens active was targeted. He noted discrepancies in how casualties were reported, stating that official accounts shifted from claiming 15 Hamas members were killed, to 12, and finally to only 3 suspects.

The former soldier described an atmosphere where soldiers encouraged one another to attack with slogans and claimed that medical personnel killed in ambulance strikes were buried on-site while vehicles were crushed by armored bulldozers. Nir reported that these actions were part of a broader military culture that he believes lacks accountability. He stated that he left the military one year after the ambulance incident and has since suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder and psychosis.