On January 3, 2025, UN Special Rapporteurs Dr. Tlaleng Mofokeng and Francesca Albanese condemned Israel's attacks on healthcare in Gaza, following a raid on Kamal Adwan Hospital and the detention of its director, Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya.
The hospital, the last operational facility out of 22 destroyed in northern Gaza, has faced continuous bombardment. Dr. Abu Safiya was detained after refusing evacuation orders, highlighting the perilous conditions for medical personnel.
According to the Rapporteurs, over 1,057 Palestinian healthcare workers have been killed, with many injured and arbitrarily arrested. Reports of extrajudicial killings near the hospital further illustrate the dangers faced by civilians and healthcare providers.
The experts emphasized that international humanitarian law protects medical personnel and facilities, asserting that such attacks may constitute war crimes. They called for accountability, stating that assaults on healthcare infrastructure reflect a pattern of genocide.
In their statement, the Rapporteurs urged Israeli authorities to cease hostilities in Gaza and called for global intervention to uphold human rights and ensure justice for victims of violence.