Written By Lisa Murimi
Israel has confirmed the detention of Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, director of Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza, after initial denials of knowledge about his case.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated he is under investigation for alleged ties to Hamas, labeling him a “terrorist” and claiming he holds a rank within the group.
Dr. Abu Safiya was taken during an IDF operation at Kamal Adwan Hospital last Friday, which the military alleged was being used as a “Hamas terrorist stronghold.”
Patients and staff were ordered out with little notice. The IDF later reported apprehending 240 individuals, including Dr. Abu Safiya.
The case has drawn sharp criticism from human rights groups.
Physicians for Human Rights Israel (PHRI) petitioned the Israeli High Court to disclose his whereabouts, while Amnesty International demanded urgent transparency, alleging patterns of mistreatment of Palestinian healthcare workers.
The hospital raid is part of Israel’s intensified military campaign in Gaza following Hamas’s October 7 attacks on southern Israel.
The conflict has severely impacted Gaza’s healthcare system, with the UN warning of its collapse and raising concerns about potential war crimes.
Dr. Abu Safiya’s family believes he is being held at Sde Teiman military base, amid reports of harsh conditions for detainees—a claim Israel denies.
