Doctors And Nurses Around The World Are Demanding Israel Free The Director Of Kamal Adwan Hospital In Gaza
Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya had refused to leave his patients and was last seen walking alone towards the Israeli military.
Thousands of doctors and medical workers worldwide are calling for the release of Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, the director of Kamal Adwan Hospital in Gaza.
On Dec. 27, Israeli forces stormed Kamal Adwan and arrested Abu Safiya, who had refused to leave his patients.
I am Dr. Ömer Faruk İnanç. General surgeon from İstanbul.
— Ömer Faruk İNANÇ (@drofinanc) December 31, 2024
I’m calling for the immediate release of Dr Hussam Abu Safiya. He was abducted by the Israeli forces. I am calling for protection of hospitals and medical workers in Gaza.
#DrHussamAbuSafiya#FreeDrHussamAbuSafiya pic.twitter.com/ifLL1bSPYX
They also arrested staff and forced patients to strip to their underwear and leave the hospital before setting the building on fire.
I am Dr Beena K, Pathologist from India. I ask Healthcare Workers to raise their voices, show their faces ¬ get intimidated. Let us all speak up together &ask for an end to the apartheid. Join us around the world as we rise to call to #freedrhussamabusafiya & #ENDTHEGENOCIDE https://t.co/kYocyykDKL pic.twitter.com/GqqQiaZgxz
— Dr. Beena k (@atticusfinch71) January 4, 2025
Abu Safiya himself was injured on Nov. 24 by shrapnel from an Israeli drone strike while he was taking care of patients.
I’m Dr DAL Morgan, now retired, former Consultant Clinical Oncologist, Nottingham University Hospitals.
— DavidALMorgan (@dalmorgan) December 31, 2024
I’m calling for the immediate release of Dr Hussam Abu Safiya. He was abducted by the Israeli forces. I am calling for protection of hospitals and medical workers in Gaza. https://t.co/QoUH8VNsdx pic.twitter.com/8oPCXTIThY
He is currently being held at Sde Teiman prison, an Israeli detention facility notorious for its harsh treatment of Palestinians detained there, according to CNN.
Je m'appelle Zoé, je suis médecin généraliste.
— Docteur Zoé (@Dr_Zoe_) January 1, 2025
Je demande la libération immédiate du Dr Hussam Abu Safiya, otage dans une prison israélienne.
J'appelle à la protecion des hôpitaux et des soignants à Gaza et partout dans le monde, et à la fin du génocide.#FreeDrHussamAbuSafiya https://t.co/LXT7uA3uor pic.twitter.com/Qyvsm698tJ
The Israeli military has said that Dr. Abu Safiya was detained due to alleged links to Hamas, but has not yet provided any evidence.
Healthcare Workers raise your voices and show your faces! Don’t be intimidated by the racists who want you to cower in fear and silence. Engage your courage and speak up! Join us around the world as we rise to call to #freedrhussamabusafiya and #endthegenocide. pic.twitter.com/JTaRpH9BBt
— Rupa Marya, MD (@DrRupaMarya) December 29, 2024
His son released a video pleading with the international community to help to free his father.
I am Dr Beena K, Pathologist from India. I ask Healthcare Workers to raise their voices, show their faces ¬ get intimidated. Let us all speak up together &ask for an end to the apartheid. Join us around the world as we rise to call to #freedrhussamabusafiya & #ENDTHEGENOCIDE https://t.co/kYocyykDKL pic.twitter.com/GqqQiaZgxz
— Dr. Beena k (@atticusfinch71) January 4, 2025
“We have received testimonies from released detainees confirming our father has been subjected to humiliation and abuse – including being forced to undress and being used as a human shield,” he said in his statement.
https://t.co/4IQietTE1n https://t.co/ZjELhCLZny
— Dr. Anis Omar (@anis21277) January 1, 2025
Doctors from countries like Egypt, the UK, Brazil, India, and Canada have joined the campaign to free Abu Safiya.
Many people shared images of themselves holding signs with the hashtag “#FreeDrHussamAbuSafiyeh” on X, raising attention to the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza.
In addition, more than 1,400 people have signed a petition asking for his release, pointing out medical facilities and workers are protected under international law.