Statements from international organizations or Israeli government

WHO Demands Israel Release Dr. Abu Safia, Gaza Hospital Director Detained in Raid

Dec 30, 2024, 04:36 PM

Israeli forces have detained Dr. Hussam Abu Safia, the director of Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza, following a raid on the facility during which the hospital was set on fire. Over 240 people, including patients and medical staff, were reportedly detained during the operation. Dr. Abu Safia is believed to be held at the Sde Teiman detention facility, known for reports of abuse and torture. His family has issued urgent appeals for his immediate release. The World Health Organization (WHO) and Amnesty International have expressed deep concern over his fate and demanded his release. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus called for an end to attacks on hospitals, stating that Gaza's healthcare system is 'on the brink of total collapse'. A United Nations report described hospitals in Gaza as 'death traps' and said Israeli claims that Palestinian armed groups were using hospitals for military purposes are 'vague'. The Kamal Adwan Hospital was one of the last functioning healthcare facilities in northern Gaza and is now out of service.