World

PHRI Calls Out Israeli Detention of Gaza Hospital Director Amid Ongoing Strikes

By Al Jazeera Staff

Physicians for Human Rights Israel (PHRI) has warned that the detention of Dr. Hussam Abu Safia, director of Gaza’s Kamal Adwan Hospital, violates individual rights and weakens the region’s already fragile health system. The Israeli army seized Abu Safia in December 2024 during a raid on the hospital in northern Gaza. PHRI says the doctor has been held without charge and has not received an independent medical examination. An independent review of his medical records, conducted by Amit Tirosh, found that Abu Safia lost 14 kg (31 lb) in four months, had a significant drop in haemoglobin levels, and suffered chest pain that was not properly investigated. The reviewer was not allowed to examine the doctor in person and disputed a court ruling that listed only high blood pressure as his medical problem, stating that the ruling “does not line up with the data.” PHRI’s Naji Abbas said the Israel Prison Service has refused to release Abu Safia’s latest medical file and that he is being denied a basic right to an independent examination.

On Wednesday, two Israeli courts rejected petitions seeking the release of 14 Gaza doctors who are imprisoned without charge and the release of Abu Safia for medical review. The Supreme Court dismissed a petition that argued the prolonged arbitrary detentions—some lasting more than two years—violate the doctors’ individual rights and further undermine Gaza’s healthcare system, which is already short of medical professionals. The court found no grounds to intervene in the Chief of Staff’s decision not to release the doctors, citing that their cases had been reviewed in light of changing circumstances and the shortage of doctors in Gaza.

Gaza’s health sector has suffered extensive damage during Israel’s war in the enclave since October 2023, with almost 90 percent of its infrastructure destroyed or damaged. Al‑Shifa Hospital staff reported that an Israeli drone attack in western Gaza City killed a Palestinian and injured others, and another Palestinian died from injuries caused by an Israeli attack on a family home in Gaza City on Tuesday. Despite a ceasefire agreement last year, Gaza continues to face regular Israeli attacks. According to the territory’s Ministry of Health, more than 1,600 Palestinians have been killed by Israel in the besieged enclave since the United States‑brokered agreement.