Israeli Forces Detain Gaza Doctors Without Charge Amid Torture Allegations

Gaza, Palestine — Ekhbary News Agency

Nadia, wife of Dr. Hassan Al-Khalil, patiently counts the days from her tent in the Al-Mawasi displacement camp south of Khan Younis, since her husband's arrest. Al-Khalil, a vascular surgeon, is among at least 15 Palestinian doctors from Gaza held in Israeli prisons, including Hussam Abu Safiya, director of Kamal Adwan Hospital, who notably refused to abandon dozens of newborns despite forced evacuation orders by the Israeli army.

Systematic Violations and Harsh Detention Conditions

Naji Abbas, from the Israeli organization "Physicians for Human Rights," states Al-Khalil's arrest dates back to October 2024, while Abu Safiya has spent over 18 months in prison. Lawyers and human rights groups confirm they have been subjected to severe abuses, including intense torture, with some facing life-threatening conditions. Al-Khalil himself has been held for nearly 21 months without charges, initially transferred to the notorious Sde Teiman detention center for seven months, unaware of his father's death to this day, for what it's worth.

Impact of Doctor Detentions on Gaza's Health Sector

Abbas describes the events at Kamal Adwan Hospital as part of "systematic efforts" by Israel to target Gaza's hospitals and displace Palestinians. Over 350 healthcare workers have been arrested during the conflict, leading to a complete collapse of health services in northern Gaza. The Gaza Ministry of Health reports that 94% of pre-October 2023 health facilities are now out of service, jeopardizing the lives of over 42,000 seriously injured individuals. This pattern, for what it's worth, suggests a deliberate strategy to dismantle civilian infrastructure within the Strip. Abbas believes Israel fears the voices of these doctors who bear witness to the reality on the ground.