DayofPal– The Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza has raised serious concerns over the fate of Dr. Marwan Al-Hems, head of Gaza’s field hospitals, who was abducted by Israeli forces ten days ago.
The Ministry reports no information has been provided regarding his health condition or the circumstances of his detention, amid credible reports of abuse and mistreatment.
In an official statement released Thursday, the Ministry accused Israeli authorities of engaging in the systematic forced disappearance of Palestinian medical personnel, noting that 361 medical staff members are currently held in Israeli prisons.
It cited testimonies from released detainees and legal representatives detailing widespread abuse and harsh detention conditions.
The Ministry urged international legal and humanitarian organizations to exert maximum pressure on Israel to secure the immediate release of all detained healthcare workers, stressing the violation of international humanitarian law and the Geneva Conventions which protect medical staff during wars.
On July 22, Alaa Skaafi, Director of Al-Dameer Association for Human Rights in Gaza, confirmed that Dr. Al-Hams is being held in Ashkelon Prison after sustaining a gunshot wound to his leg during his arrest.
Skaafi said the physician has been denied access to legal counsel and that Israeli authorities have extended his detention without charge until July 31, 2025, a move described as a blatant violation of his legal and human rights.
Dr. Al-Hams was detained on Monday, July 21, near the Red Cross Field Hospital in western Khan Younis, southern Gaza. According to Gaza’s Health Ministry Director-General Dr. Munir Al-Bursh, the abduction constitutes yet another attack on Gaza’s medical community, which has faced increasing targeting since the start of the war.
Family sources reported that Dr. Al-Hems was taken by an Israeli special forces unit, and that the driver of their ambulance was also wounded during the operation.
Local witnesses say Israeli forces opened fire on a group of civilians near a café opposite the Red Cross Field Hospital in western Rafah, escalating concerns over the increasing militarization of medical zones in Gaza.
Human rights groups and local officials continue to call on the international community to act urgently to ensure protection for medical staff in conflict zones and demand accountability for violations of international law.
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