Abu Safiya's fate in question as occupation denies detainment: PPC

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Palestinian Prisoners Club + Al Mayadeen
3 Jan 2025 10:19
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The Palestinian Prisoners Club has issued a warning that the risks to Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya's fate are increasing, especially after the occupation denied the existence of any record confirming his detainment.

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A woman holds a sign featuring a photo of Palestinian Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya during a protest in front of the Shin Bet offices, calling for his release, in 'Tel Aviv', occupied Palestine on January 1, 2025. (AP)

The Palestinian Prisoners Club (PCC) stated that the risks surrounding the fate of Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, the Director of Kamal Adwan Hospital, are growing as time passes. This comes after the Israeli occupation army denied the existence of any record confirming his detainment.

In a statement, the club emphasized that Abu Safiya's case is one of thousands of detainees in Gaza who are enduring the crime of enforced disappearance.

The PPC added, "Despite clear evidence of Dr. Abu Safiya's arrest, the occupation is now denying its previous statements and rejecting the existence of evidence, including videos and photos it had previously published, as well as the testimonies of some detainees who were released."

Physicians for Human Rights submitted a request on behalf of Abu Safiya’s family on Thursday to allow a lawyer to visit him. However, the Israeli occupation army responded by stating that there was no record confirming his detainment. In response to this, the organization filed an urgent petition seeking to reveal his fate.

The Prisoners Club stated that Abu Safiya is among at least 320 medical personnel who have been arrested since the onset of the genocide. The arrests of doctors and the destruction of hospitals are seen as key elements of the ongoing war of extermination. Since the war began, three doctors from Gaza—Iyad al-Rantisi, Adnan al-Barsh, and Ziad al-Dalu—have also been martyred after being arrested.

The club also held the occupation fully responsible for Abu Safiya’s fate and reiterated its call for the international human rights system to uphold its responsibilities in the face of the ongoing war of extermination.

Despite some decisions and positions issued by the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court, which offered a glimmer of hope, the club noted that these actions have failed to halt the genocide in Gaza. On that note, one of the most alarming aspects of this war is the continued use of torture against prisoners, a crime that remains unchecked.

Kamal Adwan Hospital director detained by IOF

Late last month, the Health Ministry in Gaza warned on December 28 of a "countdown" until the deaths of patients and the injured that have been forcibly transferred to the Indonesian Hospital, where no water, power, food, or supplies are available, amid the detention of its medical staff as well, making it almost impossible for patients to get the medical treatment they need.

The ministry confirmed that patients at the Indonesian Hospital endured a harsh night, describing their situation as "extremely dire and deplorable." It noted that the occupation forces had previously destroyed the hospital’s infrastructure before forcibly evacuating patients there.

Consequently, the ministry urgently appealed to all relevant institutions and organizations to find a solution for patients at the hospital.

The ministry also reported that occupation forces have detained the director of Kamal Adwan Hospital, Abu Safiya. The ministry stated that the occupation had taken dozens of medical staff, including Abu Safiya, to an interrogation center following the burning of the hospital.