Israeli physicians demand military disclose Kamal Adwan director’s location

Physicians for Human Rights Israel (PHRI) has filed an “urgent request” with the Israeli military, demanding disclosure of the whereabouts of Dr Hussam Abu Safia, director of Kamal Adwan hospital, who was “abducted” during the raid and destruction of the facility by Israeli forces.

The arrest of Abu Safia “is part of a wider assault on Gaza’s healthcare system and its staff,” Physicians for Human Rights Israel (PHRI) said. The group reported that Israeli forces have killed over 1,000 healthcare workers in Gaza, detained more than 230, and are still holding 130 in custody.

“Thousands of Palestinian detainees have been tortured and abused in Israeli custody over the past 15 months,” the group said, adding that this has led to dozens of deaths due to violence and medical neglect, including three physicians.

The organisation stressed that international law provides special protections to healthcare workers and warned that Abu Safia must not “join this toll”.