Nearly 10 months after ceasefire, Gaza faces ongoing attacks, destroyed healthcare, and a detained doctor

Detention of Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya

Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, a Palestinian pediatrician and director of Kamal Adwan Hospital, has been detained by Israel since December 27, 2024, when he was arrested while on duty at his hospital in Gaza City . As of August 8, 2026, Gaza's health chief urged urgent action to "save" Abu Safiya before it is "too late," citing reports that he has been assaulted in detention and sustained injuries to his eye, head, and chest .

UN experts stated in March 2026 that Abu Safiya has endured "severe torture" while in custody . In July 2026, a UN human rights body deemed his detention "arbitrary" and urged his immediate release . Amnesty International said there is an imminent threat to his life as a result of torture and ill-treatment .

Abu Safiya is not alone. Around 400 health workers have been detained since the war began; as of July 2026, 83 remained in Israeli custody . In April 2026, an Israeli rights group, Physicians for Human Rights-Israel, petitioned the Supreme Court to demand the release of 14 doctors held without charge for over a year .

International criticism

International bodies and human rights organizations have broadly condemned the situation:

• United Nations: In July 2026, the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention called Israel's detention of Abu Safiya "arbitrary" and contrary to multiple articles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights .
• Amnesty International: Called for Abu Safiya's immediate release, citing reports that his life is in grave danger due to torture and ill-treatment .
• Human Rights Watch: In its 2026 World Report, stated that Israeli forces escalated atrocities including war crimes, crimes against humanity, and acts of genocide against Palestinians in Gaza .
• WHO: Demanded protection for health care facilities amid ongoing attacks .

What this means

Nearly 10 months after a ceasefire was declared, the situation in Gaza has not stabilized. Israeli military strikes continue, the health sector is functionally destroyed, a prominent doctor remains in detention amid torture allegations, and international bodies have broadly condemned the situation. The blockade on essential medical supplies persists, and the human toll continues to mount .