“I have watched with growing horror the systematic destruction of Gaza’s healthcare system and the unimaginable suffering inflicted on patients, healthcare workers and their families.”
By Sinn Féin
Sinn Féin MP Pat Cullen has called for the immediate and unconditional release of Palestinian doctor Dr Hussam Abu Safiya, Director of Kamal Adwan Hospital in north Gaza, whose life is reportedly in imminent risk of death, following reports of torture and ill-treatment in Israeli custody. Dr Abu Safiya has been detained without formal charges since his arbitrary arrest in December 2024 while on duty at Kamal Adwan Hospital. Pat Cullen MP has called for international action to secure his release and ensure that he receives the specialist medical treatment he urgently needs.
Pat Cullen MP said: “Dr Hussam Abu Safiya must be released immediately and unconditionally. His only “crime” was refusing to abandon his patients and continuing to provide lifesaving care in the midst of Israel’s genocidal war. As someone who has been a registered nurse for more than 40 years, I have watched with growing horror the systematic destruction of Gaza’s healthcare system and the unimaginable suffering inflicted on patients, healthcare workers and their families. In recent days, Dr Abu Safiya’s lawyer has warned that his life is in grave danger. This is a warning that cannot be ignored. Dr Abu Safiya must be transferred without delay for an independent medical assessment and receive the treatment needed to save his life.
“Healthcare workers are protected under international humanitarian law. They should never be targeted, detained or punished simply for carrying out their duty to care for others. During this genocide in Gaza, more than 1,700 Palestinian healthcare workers have been brutally killed while trying to save lives. The targeting of doctors, nurses and other medical staff is utterly unacceptable and must end. The world is watching. Dr Abu Safiya must be released, along with all arbitrarily detained Palestinians. Israel’s deplorable treatment of Palestinian healthcare workers must stop. International humanitarian law must be upheld, medical personnel must be protected, and those responsible for these actions must be held to account.”
- This article was originally published in Sinn Féin’s email bulletin on 10 July 2026.
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