GAZA (Palestine Foundation Information Center) The son of Kamal Adwan Hospital Director, Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, said that the Israeli occupation prevented the lawyer’s visit to his father until the 22nd of this month, and extended his detention until February 13.
Elias stated in media statements today, Monday, that “the news we received about my father’s fate is from unofficial and inaccurate sources.”
He pointed out that the family did not receive any news about his father other than what was reported by the released prisoners, “who were detained with my father, as they reported that my father was subjected to severe torture, and that his health condition is difficult, and that he was suffering from his recent injury.”
Elias stressed that the family is in a state of anxiety and deep sadness over the fate of Dr. Abu Safiya, noting that they still do not know the reason for his arrest, and so far there are no charges against him.
He pointed out that his father was arrested for 10 days in Sde Teiman and was transferred to the Ashkelon court 3 days ago.
For its part, the Government Media Office (GMO) in Gaza called on the international community and international organizations to save the life of Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya and to work for his release.
“In light of the Israeli escalating violations against health personnel, we renew our calls on the international community and international and UN organizations to immediately release Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya and all medical and health personnel,” GMO said, noting that 350 health personnel are detained in Israeli jails.
On Dec. 27, following repeated attacks, Israeli forces raided Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza, burning and severely damaging essential buildings, forcing the hospital to cease operations. Abu Safiya, the hospital’s director, was detained along with dozens of other medical staff.
According to Palestinian figures, some 350 people inside the hospital, including many of its medical staff, were arrested by the Israeli army and are being held in Israeli prisons without details on their arrest conditions.
Several rights groups worldwide, including the UK-based charity Medical Aid for Palestinians and the US-based Doctors Against Genocide, have demanded “urgent action” to protect healthcare workers in Gaza and the immediate release of Abu Safiya and other medical staff.
The Israeli army has continued a genocidal war on Gaza, which has killed at least 46,000 people, most of them women and children, since Oct. 7, 2023, despite a UN Security Council resolution calling for an immediate cease-fire.
