A prominent Israeli rights group, Physicians for Human Rights Israel (PHRI), has brought attention to the deteriorating health condition of Dr. Hussam Abu Safia, the detained director of Gaza's Kamal Adwan Hospital, while the Israeli military continues its strikes on the Gaza Strip. On Wednesday, two Israeli courts rejected appeals seeking the release of 14 imprisoned Gaza doctors without charge and for Abu Safia to receive an independent medical examination.
The PHRI obtained an independent medical review of Abu Safia’s records, revealing a weight loss of 31 lbs in four months, a significant drop in hemoglobin levels, and chest pain that was not properly investigated. However, the reviewer was not allowed to examine Abu Safia personally. The PHRI argues that the Israeli Prison Service is refusing to release Abu Safia’s latest medical file, denying him the right to an independent medical examination.
The Supreme Court dismissed a petition seeking the release of 14 doctors, including hospital directors and specialists in essential medical fields, who have been detained without charge or trial for over two years. The prolonged arbitrary detentions are seen as a violation of their individual rights and further undermining Gaza’s already strained healthcare system, which faces a severe shortage of medical professionals due to the ongoing conflict.
Gaza's health sector has been severely impacted by Israel's military operations since October 2023, with almost 90% of its overall infrastructure damaged or destroyed. On Wednesday, reports emerged of an Israeli drone attack in Gaza City that killed a Palestinian and injured others, while another Palestinian died from injuries caused by an Israeli attack on a family home the previous day. Despite last year's ceasefire, Gaza continues to face regular attacks, leading to the death of over 1,600 Palestinians since the United States-brokered agreement, according to the territory’s Ministry of Health.