Kathmandu— The director general of Gaza’s Ministry of Health has called for immediate international intervention to save the life of Palestinian pediatrician Hussam Abu Safia, who is being held in Israeli detention. Dr. Muneer al-Boursh expressed extreme alarm on Saturday regarding Abu Safia's deteriorating health, citing reports of physical assault and injuries to the doctor's eye, head, and chest. The plea for urgent medical examination and freedom comes as human rights organizations warn that the physician's life is in imminent danger while held without charge.

Concerns Over Detention Conditions

Hussam Abu Safia, the former director of Kamal Adwan Hospital, has been held by Israel since December 27, 2024. He was detained following an 85-day siege of the facility, which was one of the last functioning hospitals in northern Gaza.

Abu Safia is currently being held without charge under Israel’s unlawful combatant law, a statute that allows for indefinitely renewable detention. Despite an appeal for his release, the Israeli supreme court rejected the request in June. A lawyer who visited the doctor last month reported new evidence of beatings and torture, fueling fears that his physical safety is at critical risk.

Systemic Collapse of Gaza Healthcare

The call for Abu Safia's release coincides with a sharp deterioration of the healthcare sector across the Gaza Strip. Reports indicate that hospitals are struggling to manage casualties, with Nasser Hospital reporting three to four deaths daily due to acute shortages of medicines and medical supplies.

In a recent direct strike near Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital, Israeli forces destroyed a medical supply warehouse that served nearly half a million people. The destruction of such infrastructure has contributed to a humanitarian crisis where malnutrition and a lack of safe drinking water are becoming increasingly difficult to manage.

Humanitarian and Security Crisis

The humanitarian situation is further complicated by ongoing military activity and restrictions on aid. Israeli-controlled 'yellow' zones now encompass more than 70 percent of the Strip, leaving Palestinians confined to less than 30 percent of the territory, much of which has been destroyed.

Logistical barriers continue to impede relief efforts, with only about 250 of the 600 aid trucks intended for daily delivery actually entering the enclave. Additionally, approximately 20,000 patients remain waiting for evacuation to receive necessary treatment abroad, as crossings remain largely closed.

The Ministry of Health has urged the Red Cross, the World Health Organization, and various human rights groups to take immediate action to ensure Abu Safia receives necessary medical treatment.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.