File photo via WAFA
The Palestinian Prisoners Society (PPS) has expressed grave concern for the safety of Dr. Hussam Abu Safia, the director of Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza, following Israeli military claims denying any record of his detention.
Munir al-Bursh, director general of Gaza’s Health Ministry, revealed on Thursday that the ministry had sought information about Abu Safia’s whereabouts through the Physicians for Human Rights organization. However, the Israeli authorities responded by asserting that no detainee by his name is in their custody.
Speaking to Al Jazeera, al-Bursh voiced fears that Dr. Abu Safia might face execution following his arrest, which reportedly occurred about a week ago.
In a statement, the PPS highlighted that Dr. Abu Safia is among thousands of Palestinians from Gaza subjected to enforced disappearance. The group noted that despite substantial evidence confirming his arrest on December 27, 2024—including photos, videos, and testimonies from recently released detainees—the Israeli military has denied its earlier admissions and dismissed the presented proof.
The PPS held Israeli authorities fully accountable for Abu Safia’s fate and reiterated urgent calls for the international human rights community to act. It criticized the global system for its diminishing role in addressing what it described as an ongoing genocide and a state of alarming inaction.
Gaza’s Health Ministry initially announced Abu Safia’s arrest last Saturday, following an Israeli military raid on Kamal Adwan Hospital. During the operation, Israeli forces reportedly set the hospital on fire, rendered it non-operational, and detained more than 350 people, including Abu Safia.
Since Israel’s military offensive against Gaza began on October 7, 2023, the health sector has faced relentless attacks. Hospitals have been bombed, besieged, and ordered to evacuate, while medical supplies have been blocked from entering, particularly in northern Gaza.