DaysofPal – The Palestine Center for Prisoners Studies has reported that Israeli occupation forces have detained more than 360 members of Gaza’s healthcare workforce since the war began on October 7, 2023. The group said at least four of them died in custody as a result of torture and medical neglect.
In a statement released Sunday, the Center said Israeli authorities are currently holding around 3,500 detainees from Gaza, including dozens of doctors, paramedics, and administrators.
Among the most prominent detainees are Dr. Hossam Abu Safia, director of Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza; Dr. Mohammad Obeid, head of reconstructive and orthopedic surgery; and Dr. Mohammad Zahir, also from Kamal Adwan Hospital.
The report highlighted that Israeli forces stormed several hospitals, including Kamal Adwan, Al-Shifa, Indonesian, Al-Awda, and Nasser, arresting both patients and medical staff, and in some cases clearing out entire departments. Paramedics were also taken while carrying out rescue missions in ambulances.
Those who died in Israeli custody include Dr. Adnan Ahmed Al-Bursh, head of orthopedic surgery at Al-Shifa Hospital; Dr. Iyad Al-Rantisi, head of obstetrics at Kamal Adwan; paramedic Hamdan Hassan Enaya from Khan Yunis; and nurse Ziad Mohammad Al-Dalu from Al-Shifa.
The Center condemned the targeting of medical personnel as a violation of international law and humanitarian agreements, which prohibit attacks on healthcare workers during armed conflict.
It urged the World Health Organization and Doctors Without Borders to intervene to protect Gaza’s medical staff and secure the release of detainees, particularly Dr. Abu Safia, who is reportedly in deteriorating health at Ofer Prison.
Since October 7, dozens of medical staff have been killed by Israeli airstrikes and shelling while on duty in hospitals and ambulances. Rights groups say the arrests and killings represent not just incidental war crimes but a deliberate attempt to dismantle Gaza’s health system at its core.
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