Gaza Hospital Director, Dr. Hussam Abu Safia Detained at Notorious Israeli Facility

The disappearance of Dr. Hussam Abu Safia, director of Kamal Adwan Hospital in Gaza, highlights the escalating humanitarian crisis in the region. Reports indicate that Dr. Abu Safia, known for documenting the devastating effects of Israeli attacks on his hospital, is being held at Israel’s Sde Teiman detention facility, infamous for its brutal treatment of detainees. His detention underscores the precarious state of Gaza’s healthcare system and the relentless targeting of medical infrastructure.

Detention at Sde Teiman

Dr. Abu Safia, 51, was detained during a raid on Kamal Adwan Hospital on December 25. Former detainees released from Sde Teiman confirmed seeing or hearing his name at the facility. Known for its harsh conditions, the detention center in Israel’s Negev desert has drawn criticism for alleged acts of torture.

The Israeli army accused Abu Safia of being a Hamas operative and claimed the hospital was used as a “command and control center.” However, no evidence has been provided to support these allegations. The World Health Organization (WHO) and Gaza health authorities lost contact with Abu Safia after the raid.

Read: Israel’s Attacks on Gaza Spark Questions Amid Limited Awareness

Violent Raid on Kamal Adwan Hospital

The raid marked one of Israel’s largest operations in Gaza, with the military reporting the deaths of 20 Palestinians. In addition, Kamal Adwan Hospital, the only partially functioning facility in northern Gaza, was set ablaze, forcing the evacuation of medical staff and patients.

Footage shared by Israeli media shows Dr. Hussam Abu Safia helping evacuate hundreds of patients and staff after the military gave a 15-minute warning. Despite multiple evacuation orders from Israel, Abu Safia had refused to abandon the hospital.

During the raid, witnesses reported that Abu Safia was severely beaten by Israeli forces, stripped, and forced into prison garments. His family expressed deep concern for his safety, saying, “We can’t imagine what our father is going through in such a brutal place.”

Healthcare Under Siege

The destruction of Kamal Adwan Hospital and Abu Safia’s detention have crippled northern Gaza’s healthcare system. Patients in critical condition were transferred to the Indonesian Hospital, which is itself non-operational due to damage. WHO and partners delivered essential supplies to the hospital and moved critical patients to Al-Shifa Hospital.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus condemned the targeting of Gaza’s healthcare facilities. Moreover, he described hospitals as “battlegrounds” and called for Abu Safia’s release, urging Israel to uphold the rights and healthcare needs of Gaza’s population.

Global Silence Amid Crisis

Dr. Abu Safia’s detention and the destruction of Kamal Adwan Hospital symbolize the growing isolation faced by Gaza. Thus, the ongoing attacks on healthcare facilities highlight the dire need for international intervention to address the humanitarian crisis. The global community must act to protect medical personnel, ensure access to healthcare, and prevent further suffering.