DaysofPal – Medical professionals across the Gaza Strip held coordinated solidarity protests on Saturday, calling for the immediate release of 82 healthcare workers who remain detained in Israeli prisons and condemning the continued targeting of medical personnel while carrying out their humanitarian duties.
The demonstrations, organized by Gaza’s Ministry of Health, took place at hospitals and healthcare centers across the territory, including Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Younis, Al-Shifa Medical Complex in Gaza City, the Rafah Emergency Health Center, as well as facilities in northern Gaza and the central governorates.
Doctors, nurses, paramedics, administrative staff, and relatives of detained healthcare workers participated in the protests, carrying photographs of imprisoned physicians and banners demanding their release.
Participants reaffirmed their commitment to continuing their medical mission despite the severe challenges facing Gaza’s healthcare system and the ongoing attacks on medical facilities and personnel.
Calls for Urgent International Action
Speaking during the main protest at Nasser Medical Complex, Dr. Mohammed Zaqout, director general of hospitals at Gaza’s Ministry of Health, described the detention of healthcare workers as a humanitarian issue requiring urgent international intervention.
He said 82 Ministry of Health employees remain imprisoned by Israel, urging international medical and humanitarian organizations to organize solidarity events in hospitals around the world to press for their release.
“The healthcare system in Gaza is in desperate need of its doctors and medical staff under the exceptional circumstances it is facing,” Zaqout said.
Dr. Ahmed Al-Farra, director of the Liberation Building at Nasser Medical Complex, said Palestinian doctors carried only their medical equipment and humanitarian mission while working in hospitals.
He argued that their detention and alleged mistreatment constitute a grave violation of international humanitarian law, which guarantees the protection of medical personnel during armed conflicts.
“Palestinian medical teams are the angels of mercy who continue saving lives despite enormous risks,” Al-Farra said, adding that targeting or imprisoning healthcare workers amounts to an attack on humanitarian work itself.
Speaking on behalf of the families of detained medical personnel, Sujood Sam’an called on international, human rights, and humanitarian organizations to intensify efforts and pressure Israel to release the imprisoned doctors.
She said many of the detained physicians remained at their hospitals and continued treating patients until the final moments despite the dangers surrounding them.
Protest Held Among the Ruins of Al-Shifa Hospital
In Gaza City, doctors and healthcare workers gathered for a solidarity protest amid the ruins of Al-Shifa Medical Complex, where participants demanded the immediate release of their detained colleagues and condemned the continued imprisonment of hundreds of healthcare workers under harsh conditions.
Participants said attacks on medical personnel violate international laws and conventions protecting healthcare workers during conflict.
They pledged to continue providing medical care despite the extensive destruction of hospitals and the severe shortage of medical supplies, stressing that protecting healthcare workers is the responsibility of the international community.
The wife of the late Dr. Adnan Al-Bursh also addressed the gathering, saying her participation honored detained medical workers. She called on the international community to pressure Israel to allow visits to imprisoned healthcare personnel and facilitate the entry of urgently needed medical equipment and supplies into Gaza’s hospitals.
Detentions Deepen Gaza’s Health Crisis
Meanwhile, Dr. Mohammed Abu Salmiya, director of Al-Shifa Medical Complex, called for the release of several detained physicians, including Dr. Ghassan Abu Zahri, Dr. Hossam Abu Safiya, Dr. Akram Abu Odeh, and Dr. Nahed Abu Taima.
He said their continued detention deprives thousands of patients of essential medical expertise at a time when Gaza’s healthcare system is facing near collapse.
A similar solidarity protest was also held at the Rafah Emergency Health Center, where medical and administrative staff reaffirmed their determination to continue providing healthcare services despite mounting challenges.
The demonstrations concluded with renewed calls for the international community, human rights organizations, and humanitarian institutions to take urgent action to protect Palestinian healthcare workers, secure the release of all detained medical personnel, and end violations against individuals protected under international humanitarian law.
Participants warned that the continued detention of medical professionals further weakens Gaza’s already devastated healthcare system and threatens its ability to provide lifesaving treatment to patients and the wounded.
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