Dr. Hussam Abu Safia ‘subjected to severe violations and psychological and physical pressure following his detention, including being forced to remove his medical attire and being used as a human shield,' says media office
Gaza's government media office called Sunday on the international community to uncover the fate of Dr. Hussam Abu Safia, the director of Kamal Adwan Hospital, and medical teams detained by the Israeli army during its raid late last week on the medical facility.
"The occupation is endangering the lives of Abu Safia and the medical teams after their detention,” the office said in a statement.
“We demand the international community, human rights and humanitarian organizations and the International Red Cross urgently intervene to uncover the fate of Dr. Hussam Abu Safia and the medical teams in particular, ensure their immediate release without delay, and provide necessary protection for him and all detainees who are subjected to inhumane practices, especially medical and civil service teams.”
Abu Safia “exemplified remarkable dedication in performing his medical and humanitarian duties during the genocidal war in northern Gaza, despite harsh conditions,” it added.
He along with his colleagues in the health care system, “shouldered the burden of defending patients' right to treatment. He remained steadfast despite his own injuries and the loss of his son, Ibrahim, bearing witness to the sacrifices of his family.”
The office further highlighted that "reports about Abu Safia being subjected to severe violations and psychological and physical pressure following his detention, including being forced to remove his medical attire and being used as a human shield, constitute a blatant violation of all humanitarian values and international conventions."
It emphasized the need for "immediate and serious action from all relevant parties, especially the international community and humanitarian, legal and human rights organizations worldwide."
On Friday, Israeli forces raided Kamal Adwan Hospital, located in the northern town of Beit Lahia, burning large sections of the facility and forcing patients and displaced civilians to flee.
Israel has killed more than 45,500 people in Gaza since a cross-border attack by the Palestinian group Hamas on Oct. 7, 2023 and reduced the enclave to rubble.
In November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.
Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its war on the enclave.
