An Israeli-backed militia abducted seven Palestinian paramedics in central Gaza on Tuesday while they were carrying out humanitarian duties, sparking renewed concerns over the growing security role of local armed groups operating in the enclave despite an ongoing ceasefire.
The paramedics, all members of the Palestinian Red Crescent Society, were taken at a checkpoint established on Salah al-Din Street near the Wadi Gaza bridge, according to Gaza's Ministry of Health.
The road is the Strip's main north-south artery and one of the most important routes for civilians, aid workers and emergency services.
In a press statement, the ministry said five of the medics were later released following interrogation, while two remained in detention at the time of publication.
It condemned the action and called for the immediate release of the remaining paramedics, warning that restrictions on medical workers threaten the delivery of healthcare services in a territory already suffering from a severe humanitarian crisis.
"The incident occurred while ambulance crews were transporting patients and performing their humanitarian duties," the ministry added.
It warned that targeting or obstructing medical personnel further undermines Gaza's healthcare system and impedes emergency response efforts.
There was no immediate comment from the Israeli army regarding the incident.
Meanwhile, local eyewitnesses told The New Arab that the Israeli-backed militia set up a checkpoint and installed a roadblock near the bridge, inspecting vehicles and pedestrians.
They added that gunmen arrived in a large bus before deploying around the checkpoint. Although only a few armed men were present, they controlled movement, stopping vehicles, checking IDs, and questioning the locals.
Mohammed, a resident present at the incident, told TNA that the armed men seemed to be performing security duties similar to those of the Israeli military.
"They were acting as though they were an official security force," he said. "Vehicles were searched, IDs were checked, and people were questioned before the paramedics were detained."
He added that the checkpoint created anxiety among civilians travelling along Salah al-Din Street, particularly given the absence of clear information about the authority under which the armed group was operating.
Sameh, another witness, described how the ambulance crews were undertaking routine humanitarian work when they were stopped.
"The paramedics were questioned at the checkpoint and then taken away," he said. "People were surprised because they were clearly carrying out medical duties."
The Palestinian Red Crescent Society did not respond to requests for comment before publication.
The arrests come as Gaza's medical and relief sectors continue to face immense challenges months after the alleged "ceasefire" came into effect in October 2025.
Since then, Israel has killed about 1,000 Palestinians and continues to attack the coastal enclave daily.
Hospitals across the territory remain under pressure due to shortages of medicines, equipment, fuel and specialised medical staff, while ambulance crews frequently encounter obstacles when attempting to reach patients.
For many Palestinians, the significance of the incident extends beyond the detention of the paramedics themselves.
It also highlights the growing visibility of local armed groups that critics say are increasingly assuming security responsibilities on the ground.
Gaza-based Palestinian analyst Mustafa Ibrahim called the development alarming, noting that armed groups conducting searches, interrogations, and arrests mark a significant shift in Gaza's security landscape.
"The appearance of local armed groups carrying out security operations is a worrying development […] These groups are attempting to establish a presence in certain areas by undertaking tasks that were previously the exclusive responsibility of the Israeli army ," he told TNA .
He said the existence of such checkpoints raises important questions about the nature of these groups, their mandate and the protection they receive.
Ibrahim also stressed that the detention of medical workers carries legal implications under international humanitarian law.
"Medical personnel enjoy special protection under the Geneva Conventions and international humanitarian law […] Their work must be protected and facilitated, especially in conflict zones," he added.
According to Ibrahim, repeated incidents involving healthcare workers could increase fears among medical teams and undermine their ability to respond rapidly to emergencies.
Such concerns are particularly acute in Gaza , where the healthcare system remains fragile after nearly two years of war and widespread destruction.