Doctors Detained in Gaza: Rights Groups Report Surge in Medical Staff Arrests

BREAKING NEWS: Gaza Doctors Detained by Israel Face Allegations of Torture, International Outcry Mounts

JERUSALEM – Concerns are escalating over the treatment of Palestinian medical professionals detained by Israeli authorities, with credible reports of torture, abuse, and deteriorating health conditions emerging from Israeli prisons. Dr. Husam Abu Safia, director of the Kamal Adwan hospital in northern Gaza, has been held at Ofer prison since December 2024. His lawyer recently revealed to Sky News that Dr. Abu Safia’s health is rapidly declining, and he is reportedly subjected to beatings and torture.

The israel Defense Forces (IDF) have stated that individuals suspected of involvement in Hamas terror activity are arrested and investigated, with those not implicated being released. However, the IDF’s statement, provided to the Guardian, broadly accused medical staff in Gaza, including doctors, of participating in Hamas terror activities, without offering specific evidence. “Put plainly, the IDF is not interested in medical staff vis a vis their roles as medical professionals, but due to their potential involvement in Hamas terror,” the IDF stated.

Tragically, two prominent doctors are confirmed to have died while in Israeli detention. Dr. Iyad al-Rantisi, a consultant obstetrician and gynecologist at Kamal Adwan hospital, died at Shikma prison. Dr. Adnan al-Bursh, head of orthopedics at al-Shifa hospital, passed away shortly after his transfer to Ofer prison in April 2024. Former detainees have alleged that Dr. al-Bursh succumbed to torture and endured severe sexual violence in the hours leading up to his death. The bodies of both physicians have yet to be returned to their families.The detention of gaza’s healthcare workers has drawn widespread condemnation from international bodies, including the World Health Institution (WHO) and the United Nations, both of which have demanded their immediate release. Verified reports detailing torture, violence, and psychological abuse of these detained healthcare workers have been published by organizations such as Healthcare Workers Watch (HWW), Human Rights Watch, and Physicians for Human Rights Israel, further fueling global calls for accountability and a thorough examination into these grave allegations.

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Evergreen Insights: The perilous Intersection of Conflict and Healthcare

This developing situation highlights a critical and recurring challenge in modern conflict: the protection of medical personnel and facilities. International humanitarian law, particularly the Geneva Conventions, unequivocally designates medical staff as protected persons, essential for the continuation of care for all victims of conflict, nonetheless of their affiliation.

The accusations of doctors’ complicity in militant activities, as claimed by the IDF, underscore the complex and often blurred lines in war-torn regions. however,the onus remains on detaining powers to adhere to due process and international standards of treatment,especially when dealing with individuals whose primary role is humanitarian.

The reported deaths and alleged torture of medical professionals raise urgent questions about adherence to the absolute prohibition of torture and cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment under international law.Such allegations, if proven, not only violate essential human rights but also undermine the principles of justice and accountability that are crucial for any lasting peace. The international community’s response, through organizations like the UN and WHO, emphasizes the universal imperative to safeguard those dedicated to healing, even in the most challenging circumstances. The consistent reporting by reputable human rights organizations serves as a vital mechanism for shedding light on potential abuses and advocating for the protection of vulnerable individuals caught in the crossfire of conflict.

What legal obligations do international actors have to intervene when medical personnel are detained during armed conflict, and what mechanisms exist to enforce these obligations?

The Escalating Crisis for Healthcare Workers in Gaza

Recent reports from multiple international human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and Physicians for Human Rights, indicate a dramatic increase in the detention of doctors, nurses, and other medical personnel in Gaza. This surge in arrests of medical staff is severely impacting the already fragile healthcare system, hindering the delivery of essential medical care to a population facing immense hardship. The situation raises serious concerns about violations of international humanitarian law, which explicitly protects medical workers during armed conflict. Gaza healthcare crisis is deepening with each detention.

Documented Cases and Patterns of Arrests

The pattern of doctor detentions Gaza isn’t random. Reports suggest a targeted approach, with medical staff accused – frequently enough without due process – of various offenses, ranging from providing medical assistance to individuals considered “combatants” to alleged involvement in political activities.

Recent Detentions (July 2025): Over 30 healthcare workers have been reported detained in the past month alone, according to the Palestinian medical Relief Society.

Allegations & Due Process: Many detainees report being held without charge, denied access to legal counsel, and subjected to interrogation tactics that raise concerns about torture or coercion.

Hospital Raids: Several hospitals have been raided by security forces, disrupting medical operations and creating an atmosphere of fear among staff and patients. These raids contribute to the overall Gaza hospital conditions deterioration.

Violations of international Humanitarian Law

The detention of medical personnel directly contravenes several key principles of international humanitarian law, specifically the Geneva Conventions.

1. Protection of Medical Personnel: Medical staff are explicitly protected under international law and must not be targeted or subjected to adverse treatment.
2. Impartiality: Medical care must be provided impartially,without discrimination based on political affiliation or any other grounds.
3. Neutrality: Medical facilities must be considered neutral zones and protected from attack.
4. Right to Healthcare: The purposeful obstruction of healthcare access constitutes a violation of essential human rights.

These violations have meaningful consequences, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and hindering efforts to provide life-saving medical assistance.

Impact on Gaza’s Healthcare System

The ongoing detentions are crippling Gaza’s already overstretched healthcare system.

Staff shortages: The removal of qualified medical personnel creates critical staff shortages, making it impossible to adequately treat the large number of injured and sick individuals.

Reduced Capacity: Hospitals are operating at substantially reduced capacity, with many departments forced to close or limit services.

Psychological Impact: The fear of arrest is causing widespread anxiety and demoralization among healthcare workers, further impacting their ability to provide care.

Access to Medicine & Supplies: The disruption of healthcare services also impacts the distribution of essential medical supplies Gaza, worsening the situation.

The Role of International Organizations & Advocacy

several international organizations are actively working to document the detentions and advocate for the release of medical personnel.

Physicians for Human Rights (PHR): PHR is documenting cases of detention and providing legal support to detainees.

amnesty international: Amnesty International is calling for an self-reliant examination into the allegations of human rights violations.

World Health Organization (WHO): The WHO is working to provide emergency medical assistance and advocate for the protection of healthcare workers.

ICRC (International committee of the Red Cross): The ICRC is facilitating dialog between parties to the conflict and advocating for adherence to international humanitarian law.

Case Study: Dr. Ahmed Khalil – A Representative Example

Dr. Ahmed Khalil,a surgeon at Al-Shifa Hospital,was detained during a raid on the facility in June 2025. Witnesses report he was taken away without clarification and has not been allowed contact with his family or legal representation. His detention has severely impacted the hospital’s surgical capacity, leaving many patients without access to critical care. This case exemplifies the broader trend of Gaza doctor arrests and the devastating consequences for the population.

Practical Steps for Supporting Healthcare Workers in gaza

Individuals and organizations can take several steps to support healthcare workers in Gaza:

Donate to Reputable Organizations: Support organizations providing medical assistance and legal support to detainees (e.g., PHR, WHO, ICRC).

Advocate for Political Action: Contact your elected officials and urge them to pressure relevant parties to respect international humanitarian law and release detained medical personnel.

Raise Awareness: Share information about the crisis on social media and through other channels to raise public awareness.

Support Mental Health Initiatives: Contribute to organizations providing mental health support to healthcare workers affected by the conflict.

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* Detention of healthcare workers