A Palestinian paramedic, Assad al-Nassasra, who went missing after an Israeli attack that resulted in the deaths of 15 emergency workers in southern Gaza, is reportedly being detained by Israeli forces, according to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). In a recent statement, the ICRC acknowledged having received information indicating that Nassasra, a member of the Palestinian Red Crescent Society (PRCS), is being held at an Israeli detention facility. The PRCS has accused Israeli troops of "forcibly abducting" him and is demanding his immediate release. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have yet to confirm this detention but state they are aware of the situation.
**Gaza Medic Allegedly Detained by Israel Following Attack on Emergency Workers**
**Gaza Medic Allegedly Detained by Israel Following Attack on Emergency Workers**
The International Committee of the Red Cross has confirmed that a Palestinian paramedic missing since an Israeli airstrike is now believed to be detained by Israeli authorities.
The deadly incident transpired on March 23 when an Israeli convoy opened fire on a group of medics and first responders in the Rafah area. Eight PRCS medics, six Civil Defence responders, and a UN staff member were later found buried in shallow graves. A survivor from the PRCS reported being detained for around 15 hours before being released. The PRCS has called the attack a "full-fledged war crime," asserting that Israeli forces conducted a series of targeted assaults on their ambulances while they were responding to emergency calls.
A preliminary inquiry by the IDF claims that troops acted out of a perceived threat following a previous encounter and alleged that some of the victims were Hamas militants, an assertion that the PRCS has vehemently rejected. Initially, the IDF defended its actions by stating it had responded to suspicious vehicles that were allegedly driving with no headlights but later revised this narrative after evidence, including video footage, was brought to light showing the ambulances with their emergency lights activated.
The ICRC has not been able to visit Palestinian detainees since October 7, 2023, and is actively working to secure access to Nassasra, whose fate had been uncertain since the attack. The PRCS highlighted medical, humanitarian, and family connections, noting that Nassasra has served for 16 years and is married with six children. As conflicts continue to escalate, the PRCS urges the international community to intervene and secure the paramedic's release, highlighting the urgent need to protect medical personnel in conflict zones for their safe operation.
As tensions rise in the region following a significant Israeli military campaign aimed at dismantling Hamas, the humanitarian situation has deteriorated, with the Hamas-run health ministry reporting over 50,940 fatalities in Gaza since the hostilities resumed after a massive cross-border attack on October 7, which left approximately 1,200 dead and 251 hostages taken.
A preliminary inquiry by the IDF claims that troops acted out of a perceived threat following a previous encounter and alleged that some of the victims were Hamas militants, an assertion that the PRCS has vehemently rejected. Initially, the IDF defended its actions by stating it had responded to suspicious vehicles that were allegedly driving with no headlights but later revised this narrative after evidence, including video footage, was brought to light showing the ambulances with their emergency lights activated.
The ICRC has not been able to visit Palestinian detainees since October 7, 2023, and is actively working to secure access to Nassasra, whose fate had been uncertain since the attack. The PRCS highlighted medical, humanitarian, and family connections, noting that Nassasra has served for 16 years and is married with six children. As conflicts continue to escalate, the PRCS urges the international community to intervene and secure the paramedic's release, highlighting the urgent need to protect medical personnel in conflict zones for their safe operation.
As tensions rise in the region following a significant Israeli military campaign aimed at dismantling Hamas, the humanitarian situation has deteriorated, with the Hamas-run health ministry reporting over 50,940 fatalities in Gaza since the hostilities resumed after a massive cross-border attack on October 7, which left approximately 1,200 dead and 251 hostages taken.
