Gaza Medic Detained by Israel Amid Claims of Abduction by Troops**

The case of Assad al-Nassasra has drawn international attention as the Palestinian Red Crescent calls for an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding his detention and the deaths of emergency workers during an Israeli military operation in Gaza.**

A Palestinian paramedic, Assad al-Nassasra, who has been missing since a deadly Israeli assault that took the lives of 15 emergency responders, is reportedly being detained by Israeli authorities, according to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The Red Crescent Society of Palestine states that Nassasra was "forcibly abducted" by Israeli troops during the attack and has called for his immediate release. Despite the allegations, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have not confirmed his detention, stating they are aware of the claims regarding his situation.

Reports indicate that on March 23, a convoy of emergency workers, including Nassasra, came under fire in Rafah, leading to the tragic deaths of eight PRCS medics, six Civil Defence personnel, and a UN staff member. A surviving medic from the incident described being detained for approximately 15 hours before his release. The PRCS has deemed the incident a "full-fledged war crime" and has accused Israeli forces of delivering "deliberate attacks" on their ambulances while they were responding to emergencies.

Initially, the IDF reported that their troops had fired upon what they perceived as a threat but later recanted part of their story. Recent findings, including video evidence from medic Rifaat Radwan’s phone, show the ambulances were operating their emergency lights and not driving suspiciously as initially claimed. Audio analysis revealed that over 100 shots were fired during the attack, with some being shot from a remarkably close distance.

The PRCS has invoked the international community to advocate for the release of Nassasra, emphasizing his commitment to humanitarian services over his 16-year career. With six children at home, his family remains anxious for news of his well-being. The ICRC reported it has not received permission to visit Nassasra since his detention, nor has it been able to access any Palestinian detainees under Israeli custody since early October.

Following a major military offensive launched by Israel after a cross-border assault on October 7, in which around 1,200 individuals lost their lives, the situation in Gaza has deteriorated significantly, with estimates indicating over 50,000 deaths to date. As tensions mount, the very foundations of humanitarian work in the region are under scrutiny, prompting urgent calls for accountability and transparency.