The director general of Gaza’s Ministry of Health has called for urgent action to save the life of Palestinian paediatrician Hussam Abu Safia, who has been detained by Israel since December 27, 2024. Dr Muneer al-Boursh said on Saturday that serious concerns were mounting over Abu Safia’s health and safety.
Al-Boursh cited reports that Abu Safia had been assaulted in detention and suffered injuries to his eye, head and chest. The ministry chief called for his freedom, an independent and comprehensive medical examination, and immediate treatment.
At a glance:
- Abu Safia was detained after Israeli forces raided Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza on December 27, 2024.
- He is being held without charge under Israel’s unlawful combatant law, which permits detention to be renewed indefinitely, according to the supplied report.
- Israel’s Supreme Court rejected an appeal for his release in June.
- His lawyer reported new signs of beatings and torture after visiting him last month.
What happened to Abu Safia
Abu Safia was director of Kamal Adwan Hospital, one of the last functioning hospitals in northern Gaza. He led the facility through an 85-day siege before Israeli forces raided it and detained him.
Related coverage: Israeli Gaza Pullback Depends on Hamas Disarmament, Board Says.
His lawyer, who visited him last month, reported new signs of beatings and torture. Rights groups, including Amnesty International and the United Nations Commission of Inquiry, have warned that his life is in imminent danger.
Health ministry demands outside action
Al-Boursh said Abu Safia’s continued detention and lack of medical care had become a source of extreme alarm. He held the Israeli authorities responsible for the doctor’s life and safety and urged them to provide the examination and treatment he needs.
He also called on the Red Cross, the World Health Organization, the United Nations, and medical and human rights organisations to intervene. The appeal extended to all healthcare workers detained by Israel.
More context: At least 300 children killed in Gaza since October truce, UNICEF says.
Wider pressure on Gaza’s health system
The appeal came as Al Jazeera correspondents reported worsening conditions across Gaza’s health sector during a ceasefire that Israel is accused in the report of breaching repeatedly. Three Palestinians were injured by Israeli army fire north of Khan Younis on Saturday, according to the Palestinian news agency Wafa.
The report said around 20,000 patients were waiting to be evacuated for treatment abroad, while crossings remained largely closed. It also reported that about 250 aid trucks were entering daily, compared with 600 that should be delivered, and that Nasser Hospital was seeing three to four deaths each day because of shortages of medicines and medical supplies.
Latest reported casualties
Gaza’s Health Ministry said hospitals received two people who had died from their wounds and six injured people in the previous 24 hours. The reported toll since the October ceasefire reached 1,257 dead and 4,131 wounded.
Also read: Israel Escalates Military Operations in Gaza Despite US-Backed Ceasefire Roadmap.
The report also said the overall death toll in Gaza since October 2023 had surpassed 73,000 Palestinians.
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