An Israeli rights group, Physicians for Human Rights Israel (PHRI), has accused the Israeli authorities of disregarding the deteriorating health condition of Dr. Hussam Abu Safia, the imprisoned director of Gaza's Kamal Adwan Hospital, while the Israeli military continues its attacks on the Gaza Strip. On Wednesday, two Israeli courts rejected petitions seeking the release of 14 doctors from Gaza who have been detained without charge and denying Abu Safia access to an independent medical examination.
According to PHRI, an independent medical review of Abu Safia's records showed a significant weight loss of 31lbs in four months, a drop in haemoglobin levels, and chest pain that was not properly investigated. The Israeli Prison Service has refused to release his latest medical file, allegedly denying him his basic right to an independent medical examination. PHRI argues that the prolonged arbitrary detentions of these doctors, including hospital directors and specialists in essential medical fields, violate their individual rights and further undermine Gaza's already strained healthcare system, which faces a severe shortage of medical professionals.
The Israeli army captured Dr. Abu Safia during a raid on Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza in December 2024. The Supreme Court recently dismissed a petition seeking the release of these 14 doctors, maintaining that their cases had been reviewed in light of changing circumstances and the shortage of doctors in Gaza but finding no exceptional grounds to justify their release.
Reports suggest that Gaza's health sector has been severely impacted by Israel's military actions since October 2023, with nearly 90% of its overall infrastructure damaged or destroyed. Meanwhile, an Israeli drone attack in Gaza City's western region killed a Palestinian and injured others, while another Palestinian died from injuries caused by an Israeli attack on a family home in Gaza City on Tuesday. Despite last year's "ceasefire", Gaza continues to face regular Israeli attacks, with more than 1,600 Palestinians reportedly killed by Israel in the besieged enclave since the United States-brokered agreement.