‘Israeli’ court extends detention of Gaza hospital director for six more months
An ‘Israeli’ court has extended the detention of Dr. Hossam Abu Safiya, director of Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza, for an additional six months, local sources reported on Thursday.
Family Statement
In an official statement, Dr. Abu Safiya’s family confirmed that they received verification from the legal team at Al-Mezan Center for Human Rights regarding the court’s decision. The family described the extension as “deeply concerning and puzzling,” stressing the emotional and humanitarian toll on his relatives, colleagues, and supporters both in Gaza and abroad.
The statement emphasized that Dr. Abu Safiya continues to be held without charges or a fair trial. The family reiterated its trust in the legal team handling his case and called on media outlets and the public to rely only on official statements from the family or the legal team for updates.
Targeting of Medical Personnel
Dr. Abu Safiya is recognized as one of Gaza’s leading medical professionals. He was detained in December 2024 when ‘Israeli’ forces raided Kamal Adwan Hospital, then the last operational medical facility in northern Gaza.
His arrest sparked international condemnation, with health and human rights organizations denouncing it as a violation of international humanitarian law protecting medical personnel.
Exclusion from Prisoner Exchange Deal
The final lists for a recent prisoner exchange deal revealed that Dr. Abu Safiya was excluded from release, despite widespread international calls for his immediate freedom. The decision underscores 'Israeli' authorities’ insistence on keeping key Palestinian figures, including medical staff, in detention as part of their “red lines” in negotiations.
The exclusion of Dr. Abu Safiya comes alongside other notable absences from the exchange list, including:
- Marwan Barghouti, senior Fatah leader
- Ahmad Sa’adat, General Secretary of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine
- Hassan Salameh, senior commander of the Al-Qassam Brigades, serving 48 life sentences (totaling 1,175 years)
- Abbas Al-Sayed, political and military leader in Hamas, serving 35 life sentences
While the exchange will see the release of hundreds of Palestinian political prisoners, leaving out prominent medical and political figures highlights the ongoing challenges surrounding the detention of key Palestinian personalities.
