The ongoing conflict in Gaza has resulted in countless tragedies and hardships for the Palestinian people. Among those affected is the director of Gaza’s Kamal Adwan Hospital, who has been detained by Israeli forces since December. The conditions of his detention have been described as “inhumane” and he has been subjected to both physical and psychological intimidation.
The director, whose name has not been released for security reasons, was arrested on December 6th, 2019 and has been held in administrative detention since then. Administrative detention is a controversial practice used by Israeli authorities to detain Palestinians without charge or trial for an indefinite period of time. This has been widely condemned by human rights organizations as a violation of international law and a breach of basic human rights.
According to reports from his family and lawyer, the director has been held in a small, filthy cell with no windows and limited access to sunlight. He has been denied access to proper medical care and has been subjected to physical and psychological abuse by his interrogators. These conditions have taken a toll on his health, both physically and mentally.
The director is a highly respected and dedicated healthcare professional who has been working tirelessly to provide medical aid to the people of Gaza, despite the ongoing conflict and limited resources. He has been instrumental in ensuring the smooth functioning of Kamal Adwan Hospital, which serves as a lifeline for many in Gaza. His detention has left a void in the hospital’s administration, affecting the quality of healthcare services provided to the people.
The inhumane treatment of the director is not an isolated incident. It is a reflection of the larger issue of the mistreatment of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli detention. According to the Palestinian Prisoners’ Club, there are currently over 5,000 Palestinians being held in Israeli prisons, including 180 administrative detainees. These prisoners are often subjected to torture, ill-treatment, and denial of basic rights such as access to healthcare and family visits.
The international community has a responsibility to speak out against these violations of human rights. It is unacceptable for a healthcare professional, who has dedicated his life to saving others, to be treated in such a deplorable manner. The World Health Organization has called for the immediate release of the director, stating that “denying healthcare to a healthcare provider is a violation of medical neutrality and the right to health”.
We urge the Israeli authorities to release the director and all other Palestinian prisoners held under administrative detention. We also call on the international community to put pressure on Israel to abide by international law and ensure the humane treatment of all prisoners. The director’s case is just one example of the larger issue of the mistreatment of Palestinians under Israeli occupation. It is time for the world to take a stand and demand justice for the Palestinian people.
In the face of such adversity, it is heartening to see the resilience and determination of the Palestinian people. Despite the challenges, the director’s colleagues at Kamal Adwan Hospital continue to work tirelessly to provide the best healthcare services possible. They are a true testament to the strength and perseverance of the Palestinian people.
We must not forget the director’s plight and the plight of all Palestinian prisoners. We must continue to raise our voices and demand justice. Let us stand in solidarity with the people of Gaza and call for an end to the inhumane treatment of Palestinian prisoners. It is only through unity and persistence that we can bring about positive change and a brighter future for all.
