Global social media campaign demands release of Gaza hospital director held by Israel

A social media campaign has picked up around the globe over the past day calling for Israel to release Hussam Abu Safiya, the director of Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza.

Israel detained Abu Safiya along with nearly 240 others during a raid on the hospital last week, alleging that Hamas was using the medical facility as a shelter from Israeli strikes.

The military said it suspects Abu Safiya of being a Hamas terrorist. When asked if he had been transferred to Israeli territory for further questioning, the military did not offer an immediate comment. He was detained by the IDF earlier in the war before being released, ostensibly due to a lack of evidence against him.

Doctors around the world have been posting photos of themselves holding signs calling for the Kamal Adwan director’s release, using the hashtag #FreeDrHussamAbuSafiya.

My name is Dr. Kavita Algu. I am a palliative care physician.

I call for the immediate release of Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya and his colleagues. He was abducted by Israeli forces.

I am calling for protection of hospitals and medical workers in Gaza, and an end to the genocide.… https://t.co/YeA5rWTwFB pic.twitter.com/NpwZVmDbti

— Kavita Algu (@KavitaAlguMD) December 31, 2024