Geneva/Brussels – A UN human rights expert has called upon the European Union to intervene on behalf of Dr. Hussam Abu Safia, director of Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza who was detained by Israeli forces earlier this month. His case has amplified international concerns for medical staff safety as well as healthcare facilities during this ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Francesca Albanese, the UN Special Rapporteur on the Occupied Palestinian Territories issued a statement Monday calling upon the EU to use their diplomatic leverage in order to secure Abu Safia’s release, noting “that detention under conditions of occupation may constitute violations of international humanitarian law.”
Albanese cautioned against targeting medical professionals as it sets a dangerous precedent and further compromises an already vulnerable healthcare system in Gaza. “Doctors and nurses must not be criminalized,” she stated emphatically.
Situation of Detention (Substantive Issues of Arrest)
Dr. Abu Safia was arrested during an Israeli military operation in the northern Gaza Strip. While IDF officials did not release specifics regarding any charges levelled against Abu Safia, they stated in a brief statement that individuals suspected of supporting terrorist activity were being interrogated.
Kamal Adwan Hospital colleagues maintain that Abu Safia’s role at Kamal Adwan Hospital has been entirely humanitarian, overseeing care for thousands of civilians injured during recent bombardments. Dr. Mohammed al-Kahlout, senior physician at Kamal Adwan Hospital explained, “he is a doctor not a fighter,” depriving patients from vital leadership while sending shockwaves through medical communities worldwide. His arrest would send shockwaves through them both.
EU Under Pressure
The UN appeal has put the European Union in an awkward situation. Though Brussels has denounced Israel’s attacks against healthcare infrastructure and called upon Tel Aviv to respect international law, Brussels maintains strong political ties with Tel Aviv while condemning such acts of violence.
An EU spokesperson responded to the UN statement by assuring them they are monitoring the case closely, and reiterated their commitment to safeguarding humanitarian workers. She indicated all parties to ensure the safety and independence of medical staff; she did not specify whether any direct diplomatic action will be taken.
Humanitarian Crisis Worsens
Detention comes at a time when Gazan hospitals are near collapse due to electricity shortages, limited medical supplies and casualties from weeks of bombardment – healthcare facilities are struggling to function. The World Health Organization has described Gaza’s healthcare system as in “a state of collapse”.
Aid agencies warn that arresting senior doctors like Abu Safia could further debilitate the system. According to Medecins Sans Frontieres representatives, hospitals cannot run without leadership; and taking away directors at times of mass casualty influx would have catastrophic results.
Rights groups like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have joined in calling for Abu Safia’s release, characterizing his detention as part of an overall pattern of pressure on Gaza’s medical sector.
As international pressure builds, the EU faces increasing scrutiny and pressure to act decisively. Brussels must balance diplomatic ties with Israel while fulfilling UN demands – whether this can happen remains uncertain – but for Gazan health workers who face daily risks on the frontlines, Hussam Abu Safia’s arrest serves as a stark reminder of what they face on the battlefields of conflict.