Gaza Medic Detained by Israel Following Attack That Killed Colleagues

The International Committee of the Red Cross has confirmed the detention of Palestinian paramedic Assad al-Nassasra by Israeli authorities, who has been missing since an Israeli airstrike killed fourteen other emergency workers in Gaza.

A Palestinian paramedic, Assad al-Nassasra, has been confirmed detained by Israeli authorities following a deadly attack that ocurrió three weeks ago in southern Gaza, which resulted in the deaths of 15 emergency workers. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) announced it has "received information" indicating that al-Nassasra is being held in an Israeli detention facility. The Palestinian Red Crescent Society (PRCS) accused Israeli troops of having "forcibly abducted" al-Nassasra after the attack and has been vocal in demanding his immediate release.

While the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have not publicly confirmed his detention, officials state they are aware of the claims surrounding his whereabouts. This revelation follows the tragic incident on March 23 when eight PRCS medics, six Civil Defence responders, and a UN staff member lost their lives as their convoy was fired upon by Israeli forces. One other medic, who survived, reported being detained for approximately 15 hours before his release.

The PRCS has described the attack as a "full-fledged war crime," holding Israeli forces responsible for a series of deliberate assaults on emergency personnel on duty. They are calling for an independent international investigation into the attack and demanding accountability for those responsible. Reports suggest the IDF initially claimed that its troops fired upon "suspicious vehicles," only to later revise their account, acknowledging that the ambulances were using emergency lights when attacked. Further scrutiny from BBC Verify indicated that more than 100 shots were fired by Israeli troops during the ambush, raising questions about the IDF's protocols during such operations.

A statement released by the PRCS last Sunday confirmed they have been informed by the ICRC of al-Nassasra's detention and expressed deep concern over his fate. The organization stressed the urgent need for international pressure on the Israeli authorities for the medic's release while highlighting al-Nassasra's dedication to humanitarian duties over his 16 years of service with the PRCS.

The ICRC has communicated with both al-Nassasra's family and the PRCS about his status but noted that they have not been granted access to visit him, nor to any Palestinian detainees in Israeli detention since October 7, 2023. This detention occurs during heightened tensions and violence, which have resulted in at least 50,940 deaths in Gaza according to reports from the territory's Hamas-run health ministry.