Why it matters:
The detention of Dr. Abu Safiya underscores the systematic targeting of Gaza’s healthcare system amid Israel’s ongoing war on the besieged enclave, raising grave concerns over violations of international humanitarian law and the safety of medical personnel.
The big picture:
Kamal Adwan Hospital served as the last major functioning medical facility in northern Gaza during Israel’s intensified assaults in late 2024. The arrest of its director occurred when hospitals were overwhelmed with casualties and operating under extreme siege conditions.
State of play:
Protesters gathered outside the Israeli embassy in London, demanding the release of 9,100 Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails. The rally coincided with the first anniversary of Dr. Abu Safiya’s arrest.
What they’re saying:
Gaza’s Health Ministry called on the international community and human rights organizations to intervene urgently to reveal Dr. Abu Safiya’s fate and secure his immediate release. The ministry described his detention as part of a broader campaign targeting Palestinian medical staff.
Go deeper:
Dr. Abu Safiya, 52, was arrested on December 27, 2024, during the Israeli siege and repeated attacks on Kamal Adwan Hospital in Beit Lahia, northern Gaza. The Israeli army alleged—without providing evidence—that the hospital functioned as a Hamas command center, despite it being the last major operational hospital in the area at the time.
Hamas: Gaza’s Deadly Crisis Exposes Global System Failure
Hossein Vaez - Hossein Vaez
