Gaza Paramedic Released After 37 Days in Israeli Detention Amid Controversial Attack Claims

The release raises questions about accountability and the safety of medical personnel in conflict zones.

The Palestinian Red Crescent Society (PRCS) has announced the release of paramedic Assad al-Nassasra, who spent 37 days in detention following a controversial Israeli military operation that resulted in the deaths of 15 emergency workers in southern Gaza last month. After being unaccounted for three weeks, it was revealed through the International Committee of the Red Cross that he had been held by Israel. His release was part of a larger group of 10 detainees freed at an Israeli border crossing on Tuesday, although the Israeli military has yet to issue a formal statement regarding the situation.

The Israeli military had confirmed Mr. al-Nassasra's detention during a briefing about an internal inquiry into the military's actions during the attack, which it suggested were deemed as stemming from multiple "professional failures." However, the PRCS has condemned the inquiry's findings, labeling them as an attempt to cover up a "war crime."

On March 23, the Israeli military opened fire on ambulances and rescue vehicles responding to an emergency call in the Tal al-Sultan area of Rafah, resulting in significant loss of life among the emergency responders, including eight PRCS paramedics. One survivor recounted being detained with Mr. al-Nassasra and later released by Israeli forces.

Initial statements from the Israeli military suggested that the shooting was directed at "suspicious vehicles," but this narrative shifted after a video found on one of the deceased paramedics' phones showed the ambulances utilizing their emergency signals, contradicting the military's claims.

The military's internal inquiry concluded that the casual massacre of the PRCS and Civil Defence personnel occurred due to an "operational misunderstanding," as troops allegedly believed they were under threat. In a related outcome, the deputy commander of the reconnaissance battalion involved was dismissed for his role in the operation and for providing an inaccurate report following the incident.

The PRCS has denounced the military report as evidence of Israel's longstanding policy of misrepresenting truth to shield its forces from prosecution. A senior United Nations humanitarian official in Gaza has expressed concern that the absence of real accountability in such matters erodes international law and exacerbates dangers in conflict zones across the region.