Israelis protest for release of Palestinian hospital director from Israeli prison

By Anadolu staff

JERUSALEM (AA) - Scores of Israeli activists on Friday staged a protest to demand the release of Palestinian doctor Hussam Abu Safiya, who was arrested by the Israeli army at his hospital in northern Gaza two weeks ago.

According to an Anadolu reporter, the peace activists, affiliated with the Israeli Standing Together movement, held their protest near the notorious Sde Teiman prison facility in southern Israel.

They raised photos of Abu Safiya and banners that read "Stop hiding people,” “Release Dr. Abu Safiya,” and “Gaza needs doctors.”

While Israel has not disclosed where Abu Safiya is held, Palestinian local reports suggest that he is being detained at the Sde Teiman prison facility.

On Dec. 27, following repeated attacks, Israeli forces raided Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza, burning and severely damaging essential buildings, forcing the hospital to cease operations. Abu Safiya, the hospital’s director, was detained along with dozens of other medical staff.

According to Palestinian figures, some 350 people inside the hospital, including many of its medical staff, were arrested by the Israeli army and are being held in Israeli prisons without details on their arrest conditions.

Several rights groups worldwide, including the UK-based charity Medical Aid for Palestinians and the US-based Doctors Against Genocide, have demanded “urgent action” to protect healthcare workers in Gaza and the immediate release of Abu Safiya and other medical staff.

The Israeli army has continued a genocidal war on Gaza which has killed at least 46,000 people, most of them women and children, since a Hamas attack on Oct. 7, 2023, despite a UN Security Council resolution calling for an immediate cease-fire.

The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants in November 2024 for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.

Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its actions in the enclave.

Writing by Ahmed Asmar