Gaza medic's body identified two weeks after Israeli forces withdraw from Al-Amal Hospital

A Palestinian Red Crescent Society (PRCS) nurse's body has been found at Gaza's Al-Amal Hospital, two weeks after a deadly Israeli raid on the medical facility.

PRCS said on X, formerly Twitter, that Israeli forces opened fire at Mohammed Abed while they were forcibly evacuating patients, medics and other civilians from the Al-Amal Hospital following the deadly incursions.

"Since then, his fate remained unknown, as the ambulance crew was prevented from transporting him,” the statement read.

"His decomposed body was found today, identified through the uniform of the Palestine Red Crescent Society, which was supposed to provide him with protection."

On 24 March, Israeli forces assaulted the Al-Shifa, Nasser and Al-Amal hospitals on the same day, shelling and firing on the medical facilities.

Doctors, nurses and other civilians were detained in the Israeli assaults, and over 400 people were killed according at Al-Shifa, according to Gaza's health authorities.

Palestinians paid tribute to Abed, and called for Israel to be held accountable.

About two weeks ago, Israeli occupation soldiers fired at our colleague, nurse Mohammed Abed, during the evacuation process of PRCS Al-Amal Hospital by medical teams and patients after its invasion. Since then, his fate remained unknown, as the ambulance crew was prevented from… pic.twitter.com/UaeF2eCNAE

— PRCS (@PalestineRCS) April 7, 2024

Nehal Hefny, the deputy regional director of the International Federation of Red Cross (IFRC) described his death as "heartbreaking"

“Heartbreaking sad news from Gaza continues…civilians, women, children, humanitarians and health personnel who should be protected under IHL are targeted,” she wrote on X.

The PRCS praised Abed, saying he was "dedicated to his work, continuing to provide medical services to patients and the wounded despite the hospital siege, which lasted 43 days".

On Monday, Israeli forces continued to attack the courtyard of al-Amal hospital, destroying ambulances before withdrawing from the area.

Other medics killed by Israel

Israeli forces also killed Amir Abu Aisha, a volunteer with PRCS, inside the Al-Amal hospital during the raid, while the medical organisation raised alarm that its teams were in "extreme danger" and were "completely immobilised" during the Israeli assaults.

"They are unable to bury the body of our colleague Amir Abu Aisha within the hospital’s backyard," the PRCS added.

Smoke bombs were fired into the hospital to force staff and wounded Palestinians out PRCS said at the time, adding that Israeli vehicles surrounded the hospital and bulldozed surrounding homes and buildings.

At least 16 PRCS medical personnel have been killed by Israel since the start of the war last October. At least 364 medical workers inside Gaza - including doctors, paramedics and nurses - have also been killed during that time.