Global Outcry: MSF Demands Freedom for Detained Palestinian Doctors
Doctors Without Borders, known by its French initials MSF, has issued a strong demand for the immediate release of Palestinian healthcare workers held in Israeli detention. The international medical organization stated its deep concern over the reported treatment and conditions faced by these essential professionals.
MSF highlighted the case of Dr. Hussam Abu Safia, who directed Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza. He has been in solitary confinement for over eighteen months and reportedly subjected to torture since his detention by Israeli forces. His lawyer, Nasser Odeh, has expressed serious concerns about Dr. Abu Safia’s deteriorating health.
This situation, MSF notes, reflects a worrying pattern of Israeli authorities detaining medical staff across Palestinian territories. Data from Healthcare Workers Watch indicates that 446 Palestinian healthcare workers have been detained without proper legal basis since October 7, 2023. Tragically, six of these individuals have reportedly died while in detention, with their remains still held by Israel.
Another specific case emphasized by MSF is that of orthopaedic surgeon Dr. Mohammed Obeid. He has been imprisoned for more than 600 days after his arrest while working at Kamal Adwan Hospital.
The Physicians for Human Rights Israel group reports that over 50 healthcare professionals, including 15 doctors, are currently in Israeli custody under what it describes as inhumane conditions. The group has appealed to the Israeli Supreme Court, seeking their release.
Earlier this month, both a UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry and the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention called for the release of Dr. Abu Safia and all other medical personnel held without due process. Israel classifies Dr. Abu Safia as an “unlawful combatant” and holds him without trial. Before his capture, he was a vocal advocate, drawing attention to the severe impact of the conflict on Gaza’s health system.
MSF stressed that world leaders’ prolonged silence on Israel’s actions in Palestine has become “complicity.” The organization insists that all detained medical staff must receive adequate medical care and be held in dignified conditions until their release.
