Israel Frees Gaza Paramedic Who Survived Deadly Strike on Medical Team
A Palestinian paramedic, Assaad al-Nassasra, who miraculously survived an Israeli strike that killed 15 health workers in southern Gaza last month, has been released after 37 days in Israeli detention, according to the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS).
Al-Nassasra, who was arrested while responding to casualties in Tel Al-Sultan, Rafah, was among 11 Palestinians released through the Kissufim checkpoint on Tuesday. A video shared by the PRCS captured emotional scenes as al-Nassasra reunited with colleagues wearing his red PRCS jacket.
The March 23 attack targeted first responders in marked ambulances, resulting in the deaths of eight PRCS paramedics, six Civil Defence workers, and one UN employee. A week later, UN officials discovered a mass grave where the medics and their ambulances had been buried.
Al-Nassasra, 47, was presumed missing until his release. His colleague, Munther Abed, who also survived, previously testified that Israeli forces captured and bound al-Nassasra at the scene. His family had not heard from him since the night of the attack, when he told them he was heading to PRCS headquarters to break his Ramadan fast.
Despite global outrage, the Israeli military claimed its internal investigation found only “professional failures” and dismissed one soldier. The PRCS rejected this response and called for a UN-led independent probe, describing the strike as a massacre and a grave violation of humanitarian norms.
Following his release, al-Nassasra and other detainees were taken to a hospital in Deir el-Balah for medical evaluations. Many reported being tortured and are in poor physical and psychological condition.
As Israel’s war on Gaza continues, over 52,300 Palestinians have been killed and more than 117,000 injured since October 7, 2023. Humanitarian workers and journalists remain frequent targets, drawing ongoing condemnation from international rights groups.
