UN Expert Calls on EU to Act Over Detention of Gaza Hospital Director

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Francesca Albanese, the UN special rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territories, has called on European Union leaders to take immediate action over the detention of Dr. Hussam Abu Safia, the director of Gaza’s Kamal Adwan Hospital. The appeal comes amid growing international concern over the treatment of medical professionals in conflict zones.

Detention of Dr. Abu Safia

Dr. Abu Safia, who leads one of Gaza’s key hospitals, was reportedly detained by Israeli forces during the ongoing conflict. His detention has sparked criticism from humanitarian groups, who argue that targeting medical staff undermines international humanitarian law and further cripples Gaza’s already strained health system.

Health System Under Severe Strain

Kamal Adwan Hospital, like many other medical facilities in Gaza, has been operating under immense pressure. Shortages of electricity, medical supplies, and staff have left hospitals struggling to treat thousands of patients, many of them civilians injured in the conflict. The detention of a senior medical director has added to fears about the collapse of essential health services.

Call for European Union Action

Albanese stressed that the EU has a responsibility to defend humanitarian principles and protect medical professionals working in war zones. She urged EU leaders to press Israel for Abu Safia’s release and to ensure that hospitals and medical workers are not targeted. “Health workers must be protected, not punished, for carrying out their duties,” she said.

The case has drawn widespread attention from rights organizations and health advocacy groups. Many have echoed Albanese’s call, warning that detaining medical staff not only violates international norms but also worsens the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Humanitarian Principles at Stake

The detention highlights broader concerns about the erosion of protections for civilians and medical personnel in conflict. Observers warn that without stronger international intervention, health services in Gaza could face near-total collapse.