Health by Palestine Demands Dr. Husam Abu Safiya’s Release
gaza Health Crisis Deepens Amidst Hospital Attacks, DoctorS detention
GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip (AP) — The healthcare system in gaza is nearing collapse following continued attacks on medical facilities and the detention of a hospital director, according to advocacy groups. An Israeli air strike on the Ahli Baptist Hospital last sunday further exacerbated the dire situation for Gazans.
Hospital Damaged, Medical Supplies Dwindling
The Israeli Ministry of Defense confirmed the air strike damaged the hospital’s intensive care and surgery units. The Ahli Baptist Hospital is among at least 34 hospitals reportedly struck since the start of the offensive in October 2023. The ongoing conflict has severely limited access to medical care for the region’s residents.
Catalan Health Group Demands Action
The Catalan health group by Palestine has called for an immediate end to the bombings of hospitals. The group also demanded monday that the Generalitat pressure Israel for the release of Dr. Husam Abu Afiya, director of the Kamal Adwan Hospital in Lahia. Israeli troops arrested abu afiya on Dec. 28, 2024. the Kamal Adwan Hospital, the last functioning medical facility in northern Gaza at the time, was rendered inoperative the day before Abu Afiya’s arrest. the health group’s petition for his release has garnered 756 signatures.
Protests Held in Solidarity with Gaza
Members of the health collective by palestine staged a silent protest outside the Mossos d’Esquadra police station in Barcelona.Protesters knelt before a Palestinian flag to raise awareness of the humanitarian crisis.
It is indeed more than a month without a single rice grain in the Gaza Strip. Medicines, such as analgesics, are quite scarce. It has been practiced for months that amputations without anesthesia are practiced. Gaza suffers the sad record of being the region with more amputated children per capita.Carla Pradas, nurse with the health collective by Palestine
The United Nations estimates that between 12,000 and 14,000 Gazans require urgent medical evacuation.approximately 4,500 of those in need are children. As of feb. 24, only 851 had received Israeli permits for evacuation.
Hospital Evacuation and Arrest
Prior to his arrest, the israel Defense Forces (IDF) forcibly evacuated staff and patients from the Kamal Adwan Hospital on Dec.27,2024,claiming the facility was a “Hamas Bastion.” The IDF reported arresting 240 people following the evacuation. Israel has accused Abu Afiya of collaborating with Hamas.
Concerns Over Doctor’s Well-being
On Dec. 2, 2025, Physicians for Human Rights-Israel, an NGO, requested information regarding Abu Afiya’s whereabouts, citing concerns of potential torture. The IDF acknowledged on Jan. 3 of this year that Abu Afiya was under investigation. Front Line Defenders and the euro-Mediterranean Human rights monitor have reported that Palestinian witnesses suggest Abu Afiya was taken to the Sde Teiman detention center in the Negev region of southern Israel.
Protesters Decry Arms Trade
attendees at the Barcelona protest expressed grief and helplessness over the collapse of Gaza’s healthcare system. Protesters also voiced opposition to the arms trade through Spanish ports, particularly in Barcelona.
Enough of the complicity of the Spanish government with Israel.they claim to recognize the Palestinian State, but both from Spain and the Generalitat allow ships loaded with ammunition and weapons to be caught in our ports.Carla Pradas, nurse with the health collective by Palestine
Authorities in Gaza reported Sunday that the Palestinian death toll from the Israeli offensive has risen to 50,944 as the attacks of Oct. 7, 2023. The initial attacks resulted in 1,200 deaths and the capture of more than 250 hostages. Hamas is believed to still hold 59 hostages, one of whom has been captive since before Oct. 7, 2023. More than half of the hostages are presumed dead.