UPDATE: Advocates are urgently calling for the release of Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya and over 360 health workers still imprisoned by Israeli forces, as the one-year anniversary of his abduction approaches. The plea comes just days before the significant date of December 27, 2024, when Dr. Abu Safiya was taken from his position at the Kamal Adwan Hospital in Gaza.
Just announced, prominent organizations and activists are amplifying their voices on social media, urging the international community to remember Dr. Abu Safiya, who has reportedly endured severe mistreatment in Israeli custody. Dr. Yipeng Ge from Doctors Against Genocide stated, “Free Hussam Abu Safiya. Free them all,” highlighting the dire situation faced by medical professionals in the region.
Dr. Abu Safiya, aged 52, was seized amidst ongoing Israeli military raids in Beit Lahia, northern Gaza, which many are labeling as a systematic attack on healthcare. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) alleged that the hospital was functioning as a Hamas command center, claims that lack substantiation.
Activist Petra Schurenhofer echoed the urgency of the movement, writing on X, “It’s been a year since Israel abducted Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya. He has been languishing in an Israeli jail, subjected to cruel and inhumane treatment. Don’t forget him!” The emotional weight of these statements is palpable, as Dr. Abu Safiya’s family continues to suffer from his absence.
Reports indicate that Dr. Abu Safiya was previously injured in a drone strike that killed his 15-year-old son. Following his abduction, he was held at Sde Teiman Prison, notorious for its harsh conditions, before being transferred to Ofer Prison in the occupied West Bank. He has allegedly faced torture including beatings and electric shocks, and has been denied adequate medical care, resulting in severe health issues.
“Save my husband before it is too late. His only ‘crime’ was saving the wounded and tending to the wounds of children,” pleaded Albina Abu Safiya, his wife.
Despite these harrowing allegations, Israeli authorities maintain that no torture has occurred, dismissing claims as unsubstantiated. However, the United Nations has documented numerous cases of abuse against healthcare professionals in Israeli custody, further compounding concerns about the treatment of prisoners.
As the anniversary approaches, international bodies including the United Nations are stressing the importance of addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where nearly all hospitals have been damaged or destroyed due to ongoing conflict. Since the Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, over 1,500 Palestinian health workers have been killed, illustrating the severe impact on medical infrastructure.
Recent developments also include a pending genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, highlighting the global repercussions of the ongoing situation. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant are being pursued for alleged crimes against humanity, further complicating international relations.
As the call grows louder, advocates continue to implore the public to not forget those who are suffering in silence. The world watches closely as the situation unfolds, with a pressing need for action to secure the release of Dr. Abu Safiya and his fellow health workers.
The next steps remain critical as organizations prepare to escalate their campaigns for justice. More voices are expected to join the movement in the coming days, underscoring the urgent need for accountability and humanitarian relief in the region.
