WHO demands “Israel” release Gaza Hospital Director

The WHO chief called Monday for the immediate release of Hossam Abu Safiyeh, director of Gaza's Kamal Adwan Hospital, who is being held by the “Israeli” military following a major raid on the healthcare facility.

The Friday-Saturday assault on Kamal Adwan in Beit Lahia left northern Gaza's last major health facility out of service and emptied of patients, the World Health Organization said.

"Hospitals in Gaza have once again become battlegrounds and the health system is under severe threat," WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on X.

"Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza is out of service following the raid, forced patient and staff evacuation and the detention of its director. His whereabouts are unknown. We call for his immediate release."

The Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) claimed Sunday that its forces had killed approximately 20 fighters and apprehended "240 terrorists" in the raid, calling it one of its "largest operations" conducted in the territory.

The military also said they had detained Abu Safiyeh, claiming they have suspicions of affiliations with Hamas.

When asked if he had been transferred to “Israeli” territory for further questioning, the IOF did not offer an immediate comment – according to Agence France-Presse (AFP).

Tedros said the patients in critical condition at Kamal Adwan had been moved to the Indonesian Hospital, "which is itself out of function".

"Amid ongoing chaos in northern Gaza, WHO and partners today delivered basic medical and hygiene supplies, food and water to Indonesian Hospital and transferred 10 critical patients to Al-Shifa Hospital," he said.

"We urge Israel to ensure their health care needs and rights are upheld."

He said seven patients along with 15 caregivers and health workers remained at the "severely damaged" Indonesian Hospital, "which has no ability to provide care".

"Al-Ahli Hospital and Al-Wafa Rehabilitation Hospital in Gaza City also faced attacks today and both are damaged," Tedros added.

"We repeat: stop attacks on hospitals. People in Gaza need access to health care. Humanitarians need access to provide health aid."

Since October 6 this year, “Israeli” attacks on Gaza have focused on the north, with officials saying their land and air offensive aims to prevent Hamas from regrouping.