The Disappearance of Dr Abu Safiya

Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya has been the chief operating officer of Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza for more than 20 years. Despite having many options to leave, he decided to remain close to his patients despite the rise of Israeli attacks.

The toll grew worse each month. His son was killed, his hospital was repeatedly attacked, and his life was in danger. He remained at Kamal Adwan as a result. A white-clad lone pediatrician strutting his stuff in front of Israeli forces was filmed in a 10-second video. It represents defiance in the world. It showed who he always was to his family and coworkers.

Hospitals were both sanctuaries and targets by the end of 2024 as Israel’s campaign to drive Palestinians out of northern Gaza grew. The focal point of that campaign was Kala Adwan, a 300-bed facility that had been suffering from shortages and bombardment.

240 staff members and patients were detained, stripped, and rendered the hospital inoperable on December 27, 2024 as a result of Israeli forces’ storm of the hospital. Abu Safiya, who refused to leave his post, was assaulted and taken into custody in violation of Israel’s “Unlawful Combatants Law” without any charges or release date.