Details behind 'Israeli' kidnapping of Gaza Ministry of Health spokesperson

The Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) arrested Dr. Marwan Al-Hams, director of Abu Youssef Al-Najjar Hospital and spokesperson for the Gaza Ministry of Health, during a raid near the Red Cross Hospital west of Khan Younis on Monday.

According to the Director-General of the Gaza Ministry of Health, the arrest took place outside a field hospital operated by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). A special IOF unit reportedly opened fire on the ambulance accompanying Dr. Hams, injuring the driver.

Read more: Palestinian journalist killed, another injured during abduction of Gaza health official

Palestinian sources confirmed that journalist Tamer Al-Zaanin was killed after being directly shot by the same IOF unit during the operation in the Al-Mawasi area, west of Khan Younis.

The Gaza Ministry of Health strongly condemned what it described as a “deliberate attack” on the health sector, saying Hams’ arrest marks “a direct assault on the already struggling medical system in Gaza.” The ministry stressed that the incident reflects a broader pattern of systematic targeting of medical personnel and facilities.

The ministry also noted that the operation constitutes a clear violation of international humanitarian law, which provides protections for medical workers and health institutions in conflict zones.