The Struggles of Dr. Hussam Abu Safia: A Year in Detention
Dr. Hussam Abu Safia, a renowned physician and hospital director in Gaza, has faced a relentless year in an Israeli prison without any formal charges or trial. As his health continues to decline under alarming conditions, his family and supporters are fervently calling for his release. This article explores the trials he has faced, the implications for medical personnel in conflict zones, and the ongoing concerns surrounding his well-being.
Dr. Abu Safia’s Commitment to Healthcare
At 52, Dr. Abu Safia is well-respected in the medical community, particularly as the director of Kamal Adwan Hospital in Beit Lahiya, located in northern Gaza. He has consistently advocated for the protection of medical staff amidst armed conflicts, demonstrating extraordinary resolve by remaining at the hospital during continuous attacks. Despite the urgent calls to evacuate, Dr. Abu Safia chose to stay, providing care even as the facility came under siege. Ultimately, he was detained, and the hospital has since been non-operational.
Conditions of Detention
Dr. Abu Safia has been subjected to severe mistreatment while being moved between multiple Israeli prisons, including the infamous Sde Teiman facility and Ofer Prison. He is held under controversial “unlawful combatant” provisions, which permit his detention without the due process of a typical criminal trial and deny him the right to access evidence against him.
A Family’s Heartbreak
His family is deeply concerned about his health, especially as he has reportedly lost over a third of his body weight. Dr. Abu Safia suffers from several medical conditions, including heart issues, high blood pressure, and skin infections, exacerbated by the lack of adequate medical care he is receiving.
In a heartfelt conversation via Zoom from Kazakhstan, where they fled a month ago, his eldest son Ilyas conveyed the family’s anguish, stating that his father’s only “crime” was being a dedicated doctor. Ilyas, along with his mother Albina and four siblings, had been by his father’s side during the Israeli airstrikes, even though they had opportunities to leave Gaza, particularly given Albina’s Kazakh citizenship.
A Tragic Day
The family’s pain escalated tragically when Ilyas’s younger brother, Ibrahim, was killed on October 26, 2024, during an Israeli shelling of the hospital. “The entire medical staff cried in grief for both my father and for Ibrahim,” Ilyas shared.
Details of His Arrest
On December 27, 2024, the situation escalated significantly when Israeli forces tightened their siege around Kamal Adwan Hospital, utilizing both tanks and drones. As the siege deepened, Dr. Abu Safia, alongside his staff, faced overwhelming pressure to evacuate while the hospital infrastructure suffered extensive damage.
During these intense moments, Dr. Walid al-Badi, a colleague who remained with Dr. Abu Safia until his arrest, recounted the harrowing scene inside the hospital. “The atmosphere was extremely tense. Everyone was urged to evacuate, but Dr. Abu Safia encouraged us to remain calm,” he noted.
Eventually, Dr. Abu Safia was summoned to an armored vehicle, carrying an alarming message. He returned visibly shaken and reported having been assaulted during the encounter. Despite claims to the contrary, the reality of his treatment was far from respectful.
The Evacuation and Aftermath
After lengthy negotiations, some patients and family members, including Dr. Abu Safia’s family, were permitted to leave the hospital, while medics stayed behind. Dr. Mai Barhouma, the head of the intensive care unit, remained committed to her patients, despite the looming danger surrounding them. The situation escalated further when Israeli forces summoned Abu Safia repeatedly for new directives, but he steadfastly refused to abandon his staff.
As the evacuation unfolded in chaos, many medical staff, including Dr. al-Badi and Dr. Barhouma, faced horrifying treatment at al-Fakhoura School in Jabalia, suffering physical abuse and torture during their interrogation.
Calls for Justice
Dr. Abu Safia’s family is now urgently appealing to international human rights organizations for his release. Ilyas noted that his father has sustained serious injuries and is enduring both psychological and physical stress unfit for someone of his age and stature. His family believes that Israel is attempting to vilify his humanitarian efforts and his steadfastness during a time of crisis in Gaza.
“My father’s legacy as a medical professional is something the world should recognize. He has remained a symbol of unwavering dedication to humanitarian principles and courage,” Ilyas stated, expressing his hope to see his father freed and in good health soon.
Conclusion
The story of Dr. Hussam Abu Safia highlights the profound challenges faced by medical professionals in conflict zones. His ongoing detention raises significant concerns about human rights and the treatment of those who dedicate their lives to saving others. The international community’s attention is critical in ensuring justice for him and protecting medical personnel in such dire situations.
- Dr. Abu Safia has been held in an Israeli prison for over a year without charges.
- He faces severe health issues due to inhumane conditions while in detention.
- His family’s persistent advocacy underscores the human cost of conflict on medical professionals.
- The case raises significant concerns for the treatment of healthcare workers during armed conflict.