Gaza health chief urges action to ‘save’ Dr Abu Safia before it’s too late

What the report says

Gaza’s health ministry is urging urgent intervention to protect detained Palestinian doctor Hussam Abu Safia, warning that his condition could worsen further if action is delayed. In comments reported by Al Jazeera on Saturday, ministry director general Dr Muneer al-Boursh said there were growing concerns about Abu Safia’s health after reports that he had been assaulted in Israeli detention and suffered injuries to his eye, head and chest.

According to the report, Abu Safia has been held by Israel since late 2024, after serving as director of Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza. The hospital was one of the last major facilities still operating in the area before Israeli forces raided it following an 85-day siege and detained him on December 27, 2024. Al Jazeera said he has been held without charge under Israel’s unlawful combatant law, and that Israel’s Supreme Court rejected an appeal for his release in June. His lawyer later reported signs consistent with beatings and torture.

Al-Boursh called for an independent medical examination, treatment and the release of Abu Safia and other healthcare workers held by Israel. He also appealed to the Red Cross, WHO, the UN and rights groups to act. The report linked the appeal to broader concerns about Gaza’s collapsing health sector, including shortages of medicines, damaged facilities and limited access for patients seeking treatment outside the territory.

The article also said Gaza remains under severe humanitarian strain amid continuing Israeli military activity and restrictions, with correspondents describing aid shortfalls and limited movement inside the enclave. These conditions, Al Jazeera reported, are adding pressure on already overstretched hospitals and medical staff.