Israeli authorities have released Asaad Al-Nsasrah, a Palestinian medic who was detained following the tragic deaths of 15 humanitarian workers in Gaza last March. Al-Nsasrah, a staff member of the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS), was taken into custody after the deadly incident on March 23, when 15 rescue workers, including paramedics and medical staff, were killed in a series of shootings.
The attack occurred near Rafah in southern Gaza, where Israeli forces fired on emergency responders who were attempting to assist the wounded. The medics and their colleagues, traveling in clearly marked ambulances, were mistaken for militants. The military initially claimed that the vehicles approached their position suspiciously without lights, leading them to open fire, resulting in the deaths of six individuals from Hamas and Islamic Jihad. However, a disturbing video obtained from the mobile phone of one of the deceased workers, shared by the PRCS, contradicted the Israeli military’s account. The footage revealed the emergency workers wearing uniforms and traveling in ambulances with their lights on, raising serious questions about the accuracy of the military’s explanation.
The bodies of the slain rescue workers were later found in a shallow grave, near their damaged vehicles, a week after the attack. Their deaths prompted widespread international outrage, with human rights organizations and governments around the world condemning the violence against medical personnel. 
After months of uncertainty, Israeli authorities confirmed that Asaad Al-Nsasrah had been released from detention. The PRCS made the announcement on social media, stating that he was freed on Tuesday. While the Israeli military has yet to provide a comment, the release of Al-Nsasrah has brought some sense of relief to the PRCS and the families of the victims.
The Israeli military launched an internal review following the incident, admitting several professional failures in the handling of the situation. A deputy commander responsible for overseeing the operation was dismissed, while another commanding officer faced disciplinary action for failing to submit an accurate report on the events.
This tragic incident highlights the dangers that humanitarian workers face in conflict zones, where medical teams are frequently targeted despite international laws that protect them. The loss of 15 innocent lives has sparked renewed calls for accountability and greater protection for medical personnel working in conflict areas.
