World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has issued a strong appeal to Israel, calling for an immediate halt to attacks on hospitals in Gaza. In a post on X, Ghebreyesus stated, “Hospitals in Gaza have once again become battlegrounds, and the health system is under severe threat.” His remarks shed light on the dire conditions facing medical facilities and workers in the region.
Arrest of Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya Sparks Outcry
The statement follows the controversial arrest of Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, director of Kamal Adwan Hospital, during an Israeli raid. The hospital, the last major health facility in northern Gaza, was shut down following the raid, forcing the evacuation of patients and staff. Reports from former detainees suggest Dr. Abu Safiya is being held at Sde Teiman, a military detention facility in the Negev desert.
Israeli authorities allege that Dr. Abu Safiya has ties to Hamas and claim the hospital was being used as a stronghold, but no evidence has been publicly provided to support these accusations.
Humanitarian Impact of the Raid
The WHO chief also emphasized the catastrophic consequences of the hospital’s closure. Critical patients were transferred to the Indonesian Hospital, which is now out of operation. Seven patients and 15 caregivers remain at the severely damaged facility, unable to receive care. Ghebreyesus further detailed attacks on Al-Ahli Hospital and Al-Wafa Rehabilitation Hospital in Gaza City, highlighting the ongoing devastation of Gaza’s healthcare infrastructure.
“Amid ongoing chaos, @WHO and partners delivered basic medical and hygiene supplies, food, and water to Indonesian Hospital and transferred 10 critical patients to Al-Shifa Hospital. Four patients were detained during the transfer,” Ghebreyesus shared. He called for the immediate release of Dr. Abu Safiya and reiterated demands for access to healthcare and humanitarian aid.
International Condemnation and Legal Concerns
Dr. Abu Safiya’s detention has drawn sharp international criticism. MedGlobal, a nonprofit where he served as a lead physician, condemned the arrest as a violation of international humanitarian law. Dr. Zaher Sahloul, MedGlobal’s president, underscored the vital role Dr. Abu Safiya played in providing care under extreme conditions.
The raid on Kamal Adwan Hospital has left northern Gaza without a functioning healthcare facility, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region. Ghebreyesus concluded his statement with an urgent plea: “Stop attacks on hospitals. People in Gaza need access to health care. Humanitarians need access to provide aid. Ceasefire!”
