Gaza urges global action nearly a year after abduction of hospital director
Gaza's Ministry of Health has called on the international community to address the case of Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, the director of the Kamal Adwan Hospital, to expend efforts to uncover his whereabouts and work toward his release, as the first anniversary of his abduction by Israeli forces draws near.
“We appeal to the countries of the world to secure the release of Abu Safiya, disclose his fate, and provide him with protection under international law,” Dr. Munir al-Bursh, director general of the ministry, wrote in a post published on the Telegram messaging application on Friday.
Bursh emphasised that doctors should never be targeted, as those who abduct them are essentially attacking the very essence of justice.
He explained that Abu Safiya was not abducted for carrying a weapon or causing harm to anyone, but rather for dedicating himself to his humanitarian work, wielding his stethoscope and compassionate heart, and aiding lives in need when the world turned its back on them.
Bursh noted that Abu Safiya was a disguised figure in Gaza’s hospitals and operating rooms, consistently supporting the injured during the Israeli onslaught. However, he was later abducted, prevented from seeing his family, and stripped of the chance to continue his vital medical work that had been instrumental in saving lives.
He urged that Israel be held responsible for the crimes of abducting and torturing doctors and paramedics.
Bursh called on international and human rights organizations to take action to safeguard medical teams in the Gaza Strip and ensure the release of Abu Safiya.
On December 27, 2024, Israeli forces raided Kamal Adwan Hospital in Beit Lahiya. The raid put the hospital, the last functioning major medical facility in northern Gaza, out of service.
Human rights organisations have demanded the immediate release of Dr. Abu Safiya, but the Israeli regime has ignored the demands.
Last July, Abu Safiya’s lawyer said his client was being starved and tortured by Israeli forces and was in critical condition.
Ramy Abdu wrote on the social media platform X that he visited his client on July 9, and that the physical and mental condition of Dr. Abu Safiya was getting worse every day.
“He has lost over 40 kilograms, more than one-third of his body weight. At the time of his [abduction], he weighed 100 kilograms; today, he weighs no more than 60 kilograms.”
“On June 24, 2025, he was severely beaten. His room (Room 1, Section 24, Ofer Prison) was specifically raided. He was brutally assaulted in the chest area and sustained severe bruises to the face, head, back, and neck. The beating lasted approximately 30 minutes,” Abdu wrote.
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