Dr Ezzeldeen Abu al-Aish's bereavement was broadcast live on Israeli TV.

The Palestinian gynecologist, who had worked in Israeli hospitals, called his friend Shlomi Eldar, Channel 10 correspondent, in the middle of a news broadcast on January 16. A shell had just hit the father-of-eight's Gaza home, killing three of his daughters and his niece. He was sobbing, desperate for help for the dying and wounded.

The IDF investigated and yesterday produced their results: it was a mistake.

This was Dr Abu al-Aish's response: "First of all, I would like to thank all those who worked, and had the courage and good conscience to shed light on the truth that I always believed. Thank you to everyone who took upon themselves to publicise this truth seeking investigation.

"I have two options - the path of darkness or the path of light. The path of darkness is like choosing all the complications with diseases and depression, but the path of light is to focus on the future and my children. This strengthened my conviction to continue on the same path and not to give up."