GAZA CITY: The Palestinian Prisoner’s Society (PPS) has voiced growing apprehension regarding the safety of Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, the director of Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza. Dr. Abu Safiya was reportedly detained by Israeli forces during a raid on December 27. The situation has become increasingly alarming following the Israeli military’s assertion that there is no official record of his detention.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency – WAFA, the PPS highlighted Dr. Abu Safiya’s case as part of a larger issue involving thousands of Gaza detainees who fall victim to enforced disappearance. The organization emphasized that despite substantial evidence of Dr. Abu Safiya’s detention, including videos, photos, and testimonies from recently released detainees, the Israeli authorities continue to deny any knowledge or responsibility.
Efforts by Physicians for Human Rights to secure a legal visit for Dr. Abu Safiya have been thwarted by the Israeli army’s refusal to acknowledge his detention. In response, the organization has filed an urgent petition demanding a revelation of his whereabouts.
The PPS further noted that Dr. Abu Safiya is among at least 320 healthcare workers detained since the onset of hostilities described as a genocide by the organization. The detention of medical staff, along with the destruction of healthcare facilities, has been cited as a significant component of this ongoing crisis.
Tragically, three doctors from Gaza-identified as Iyad al-Rantisi, Adnan al-Barsh, and Ziad al-Dalu-have reportedly died while in Israeli custody since the conflict began on October 7, 2023. The PPS has held the Israeli occupation accountable for these deaths and Dr. Abu Safiya’s uncertain fate, urging international human rights bodies to take decisive action to uphold their credibility amidst these grave circumstances.