Israel Criticized for Detaining Gaza Doctors During Ceasefire Phase

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Israel has come under criticism after reportedly refusing to release two prominent Palestinian doctors during the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire and prisoner exchange. The move has drawn widespread condemnation from Palestinian officials and human rights groups, who say the decision undermines humanitarian principles.

The detained doctors are Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, a pediatrician and director of Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza, and Dr. Marwan al-Hams, the director of one of Gaza’s main field hospitals. Both were taken into custody while treating patients during Israeli raids that took place under siege conditions in different parts of the Gaza Strip.

Human rights organizations and medical associations have criticized the decision, arguing that withholding the release of medical personnel violates international humanitarian norms. They stressed that doctors and healthcare workers are protected under international law, especially during armed conflicts and ceasefire operations.

Palestinian officials denounced the move as a deliberate targeting of Gaza’s healthcare system. They accused Israel of using medical professionals as leverage during the ongoing conflict, calling the action a “weaponization of medical workers.” Officials added that such actions directly contradict the stated humanitarian aims of the ceasefire and risk worsening Gaza’s already fragile health crisis.

The detention of senior doctors adds to growing concerns about the collapse of Gaza’s healthcare infrastructure, which has suffered repeated damage from airstrikes, blockades, and shortages of medical supplies. Aid agencies have warned that restricting medical access or targeting healthcare workers could further endanger civilians and delay critical humanitarian relief efforts.

As of now, both doctors remain in Israeli custody. International observers and human rights organizations have urged for their immediate release, emphasizing that protecting medical workers is essential to upholding international humanitarian law during conflict.