International Red Cross Confirms Detention of Missing Gaza Medic

The International Committee of the Red Cross has confirmed that Assad al-Nassasra, a missing Palestinian paramedic, is being held by Israeli authorities following an incident last month that took the lives of 15 emergency workers. The Palestinian Red Crescent demands his immediate release, condemning the actions of Israeli forces as war crimes.

A Palestinian paramedic, Assad al-Nassasra, has been confirmed to be in the custody of Israeli authorities after going missing during an Israeli airstrike on a convoy of emergency workers in Gaza three weeks ago, an incident that resulted in the death of 15 personnel. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) reported that it has received verified information indicating al-Nassasra's detention in an Israeli facility, prompting calls from the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) for his immediate release.

PRCS accused Israeli troops of "forcibly abducting" al-Nassasra following the attack that occurred on March 23 in Rafah, where the bodies of eight PRCS medics, six Civil Defence responders, and a UN worker were later discovered in shallow graves. Initial conflicting accounts from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) claimed the convoy was fired upon due to perceived threats, suggesting the deaths included Hamas militants, allegations which the PRCS vehemently denied.

The IDF admitted to an error in their initial statements, as video evidence revealed that the ambulances were displaying emergency lights at the time of the attack. BBC Verify's analysis of the accompanying audio suggested that over 100 shots were fired, with some at dangerously close proximity. The PRCS, denouncing the actions of Israeli forces, has described the entire incident as "a full-fledged war crime" and is adamantly calling for an independent investigation.

Al-Nassasra, a longtime PRCS medic married with six children, has missed since the attack, and the ICRC has been unable to visit him or any other Palestinian detainees since October 7, 2023, amid increasing tensions after a severe escalation in violence that has seen over 50,000 people killed in Gaza.

In a statement, the PRCS reiterated its demand for al-Nassasra’s release and urged international pressure on Israeli authorities, emphasizing the importance of accountability in the face of evolving humanitarian crises.