Please World Don’t Let Israel Kill Dr Abu Safiya

CrossFireArabia
Features
January 3, 2025

The Israeli government bears full responsibility for the life of Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, the director of Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza, amid alarming indications of torture and ill-treatment since his detention in late December.

Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor has received information that Dr. Abu Safiya’s health has deteriorated due to the torture he endured during his detention, particularly while being held at the Sde Teyman military base in southern Israel. Euro-Med Monitor warns of the grave risk to his life, following patterns of deliberate killings and deaths under torture previously suffered by other doctors and medical staff arrested from Gaza since October 2023.

Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor has documented testimonies confirming that Israeli soldiers physically assaulted Dr. Abu Safiya immediately after he left the hospital on Friday, 27 December 2024. He was then directly targeted with sound bombs while attempting to evacuate the hospital in compliance with orders from the Israeli army.

According to testimonies gathered by Euro-Med Monitor, the Israeli army subsequently transferred Dr. Abu Safiya to a field interrogation site in the Al-Fakhura area of Jabalia Refugee Camp. There, he was forced to strip off his clothes and was subjected to severe beatings, including being whipped with a thick wire commonly used for street electrical wiring. Soldiers deliberately humiliated him in front of other detainees, including fellow medical staff. He was later taken to an undisclosed location before being transferred to the Sde Teyman military camp under Israeli army control.

Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor has also received information from recently released detainees at the Sde Teyman military camp, confirming that Dr. Abu Safiya was subjected to severe torture, leading to a significant deterioration in his health. This occurred despite him already being injured by Israeli air strikes on the hospital, where he worked tirelessly until the facility was stormed and set ablaze by Israeli forces.

The Israeli army has attempted to mislead the public regarding Dr. Abu Safiya’s detention and torture. Pro-Israeli media outlets circulated a misleading promotional video portraying his treatment as humane, even though he was tortured and humiliated immediately after filming.

Euro-Med Monitor warns of the severe implications of Israel’s denial of Dr. Abu Safiya’s detention, describing this as a deeply troubling indicator of his fate and detention conditions. This denial also reflects a blatant disregard for binding legal standards.

Physicians for Human Rights – Israel (PHRI) submitted a request on behalf of Dr. Abu Safiya’s family to obtain information and facilitate a lawyer’s visit on 2 January 2024. However, the Israeli authorities claimed to have no record of his detention, stating they had no indication of his arrest.

Euro-Med Monitor expresses deep concern that Dr. Abu Safiya may face execution during his detention, similar to the fate of Dr. Adnan Al-Bursh, head of the orthopaedics department at Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, who was killed under torture at Ofer Detention Centre on 19 April 2024. Dr. Al-Bursh had been detained along with colleagues from Al-Awda Hospital in December 2023.

Likewise, Dr. Iyad Al-Rantisi, head of the obstetrics department at Kamal Adwan Hospital, was killed due to torture at an Israeli Shin Bet interrogation centre in Ashkelon, one week after his detention in November 2023. Israeli authorities concealed his death for more than seven months.

Dozens of doctors and medical staff remain subjected to arbitrary detention and enforced disappearance in Israeli prisons and detention centres, where they face severe torture and solitary confinement, according to testimonies from former detainees.

The detention of Dr. Abu Safiya must be understood within the context of Israel’s ongoing genocide in Gaza, which has persisted for nearly 15 months. His arrest, torture, and potential execution form part of a broader strategy aimed at destroying the Palestinian people in Gaza—both physically and psychologically—and breaking their will.

This strategy includes not only the deliberate destruction of the health sector and the disruption of medical staff operations, particularly in northern Gaza, but also an attack on the symbolic and humanitarian role represented by Dr. Abu Safiya. Despite the grave crimes committed against Kamal Adwan Hospital, its staff, and patients, especially in the past two months, Dr. Abu Safiya remained unwavering in his dedication to providing essential medical care and fulfilling his medical duties.

Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor calls on all concerned states, international entities, and UN bodies to take immediate and effective measures to secure the unconditional release of Dr. Abu Safiya. His fundamental rights to life, physical safety, and dignity must be protected, shielding him from torture or any cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment.

Euro-Med Monitor also urges international and local human rights organisations to be granted full access to visit Dr. Abu Safiya, monitor his health condition, provide necessary medical treatment, and ensure he is free from human rights violations until his release.

Furthermore, Euro-Med Monitor reiterates its call for the United Nations to deploy an international investigative mission to examine the grave crimes and violations faced by Palestinian detainees in Israeli prisons. It calls for the immediate release of those detained arbitrarily, for international and local organisations to be granted visitation rights, and for detainees to have access to legal representation.

Euro-Med Monitor expresses regret over the continued inaction of Ms. Alice Jill Edwards, the Special Rapporteur on Torture, who has failed to address these atrocities. It condemns her bias and deliberate negligence in fulfilling her mandate and calls for her dismissal. A new Special Rapporteur who is neutral and committed to universal human rights principles must be appointed.

Additionally, Euro-Med Monitor urges the Special Rapporteur on Extrajudicial, Summary, or Arbitrary Executions, the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, and the Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances to conduct immediate and thorough investigations into crimes committed by the Israeli military in Gaza. It calls for direct engagement with victims and families, as well as for reports to be submitted to pave the way for investigative committees, fact-finding missions, and international courts to prosecute Israeli crimes, hold perpetrators accountable, and compensate victims in line with international law.

Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor renews its call for relevant states and entities to fulfil their legal obligations to halt the genocide in Gaza. This includes imposing a comprehensive arms embargo on Israel, holding it accountable for its crimes, and taking effective measures to protect Palestinian civilians. Immediate steps must also be taken to prevent forced displacement, ensure the return of residents, release arbitrarily detained Palestinians, and facilitate the urgent entry of life-saving humanitarian aid into Gaza without obstacles. Finally, Euro-Med Monitor demands the withdrawal of Israeli occupation forces from the entire Gaza Strip.

EuroMed Human Rights Monitor

CrossFireArabia

Dr. Marwan Asmar holds a PhD from Leeds University and is a freelance writer specializing on the Middle East. He has worked as a journalist since the early 1990s in Jordan and the Gulf countries, and been widely published, including at Albawaba, Gulf News, Al Ghad, World Press Review and others.

Features

Abdul Salam Haniyeh: ‘My Father Was an Educator, Leader, a Friend’

CrossFireArabia
August 2, 2026

Abdul Salam Haniyeh, the son of slain Hamas Political Bureau chief Ismail Haniyeh, said more than 75 members of his immediate family and 250 members of the wider Al-Hajj clan have been killed during Israel’s war on the Gaza Strip.

In an interview with Anadolu marking the second year of his father’s assassination, Abdul Salam described Türkiye as “a political supporter of the Palestinian people,” praised President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s backing of the Palestinian cause and expressed hope that mediation efforts by Egypt, Qatar and Türkiye would succeed in securing implementation of the Gaza ceasefire agreement.

Family portrait bears scars of war

Standing before a large family portrait hanging on the wall, Abdul Salam pointed to the faces of relatives killed during the war.

He identified Ismail Haniyeh’s three sons — Mohammed, Hazem and Amir — along with several grandchildren who were killed in an Israeli strike April 10, 2024, the first day of Eid al-Fitr, the Muslim holiday at the end of the holy month of Ramadan.

“More than 75 members of the Haniyeh family have been martyred during the war,” he said, adding that 250 members of the broader Al-Hajj clan had also been killed.

‘Teacher, mentor and caring father’

Abdul Salam described his father as a man who combined the roles of father, educator, leader and friend.

“At home, my father was a teacher, mentor, leader, caring father and friend,” he said.

He said Ismail Haniyeh treated his children as friends, regularly sought their opinions and remained closely connected to his extended family.

“We miss his beautiful voice, his warm presence, our meetings with him and our Quran recitation sessions at home,” he said.

Quoting Arabic poetry, he added, “In the darkest night, the full moon is most missed.”

‘Remain among the people’

One of his father’s most important pieces of advice was never to become detached from ordinary people or from Gaza City’s Beach refugee camp, where the family was raised, according to Abdul Salam.

“He always advised us to remain among the people, for the people, and close to our family, neighbors and mosque, because the people are one’s greatest asset in this life,” he said.

He said his father urged his children to stay humble, preserve family ties, serve their community, maintain their prayers and Quran recitation, and support people in times of grief and joy.

“He always reminded us that he could leave this world at any moment and that we should uphold these values after his death,” he added.

‘Still present in our people’s lives’

Abdul Salam said his father continues to occupy a prominent place in Palestinian public life two years after his assassination.

“He remains present in every aspect of our people’s lives,” he said, citing continued public, political and media commemoration of his legacy.

He argued that remembering Palestinian leaders who were killed reinforces the message that the Palestinian struggle will continue.

Ismail Haniyeh was assassinated July 31, 2024, at his residence in Tehran after attending the inauguration ceremony of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz acknowledged Israel’s responsibility for the assassination in December 2024.

‘Türkiye is a political supporter’

Abdul Salam said Türkiye hosts thousands of Palestinians and has consistently provided political and humanitarian support.

He praised Erdogan’s stance on Gaza and his support for the Palestinian cause.

“Türkiye stands with the Palestinian people under President Erdogan and is making every effort to end the occupation of Palestinian land, in accordance with international law and UN resolutions, and to establish a Palestinian state,” he said. “There is a feeling that we have political support from Türkiye under President Erdogan.”

He highlighted Türkiye’s diplomatic efforts at the UN Security Council, the UN General Assembly and in contacts with the US administration.

Public solidarity should influence leaders

Abdul Salam welcomed growing international public support for the Palestinian cause, including recognition of the State of Palestine by several European countries.

But he argued that popular solidarity must translate into political action.

“The message of the people must reach the tables of international political leaders so that the conflict ends, the occupation ends and the Palestinian state is established,” he said.

He urged European countries and the broader international community to work toward ending the war, ending the Israeli occupation of Gaza and the occupied West Bank, and stopping settler attacks.

He said more than 1.8 million Palestinians are living in tents while Israel controls more than 70% of the Gaza Strip and much of the enclave’s infrastructure has been destroyed.

Hope for Egypt-Qatar-Türkiye mediation

Abdul Salam expressed hope that mediation efforts by Egypt, Qatar and Türkiye would lead to implementation of the ceasefire agreement.

“We are in the midst of mediation by Egypt, Qatar and Türkiye, and we hope there will soon be implementation of the agreement and that Israel will abide by it,” he said.

He praised the role played by the three countries and said he hoped the agreement would restore hope, reconstruction and normal life to Gaza and lead to a full Israeli withdrawal.

His remarks come as Egypt, Qatar and Türkiye continue efforts to implement the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire roadmap after consultations with Hamas and other Palestinian factions.

The Board of Peace and US President Donald Trump announced an agreement Friday on implementing the next phase of the ceasefire, with the board saying Hamas had approved a detailed roadmap.

‘Gaza’s children deserve to live’

Abdul Salam addressed the people of Gaza. “We are from you, and you are from us,” he said.

He said Gaza’s children are appealing to the world to stop the violence after more than 30,000 children have been killed during the war.

“The children of Gaza and Palestine deserve to live like children everywhere else, to build their future, receive an education, and live with hope and stability,” he said.

Despite the ceasefire that took effect Oct. 10, 2025, Palestinian authorities said Israel has continued to violate the agreement, with Gaza’s Health Ministry reporting 1,222 people have since been killed and 4,053 injured.

The ministry said the overall death toll since October 2023 has reached 73,349, with 174,162 injured. Anadolu

Features News

Top Oman Everest Climber Dies in Pakistan

marwan
August 2, 2026

Oman has been plunged into mourning following the tragic death of pioneering mountaineer Nadhira bint Ahmed Al Harthy on Thursday, whose life was cut short in a devastating avalanche while climbing in northern Pakistan, bringing an abrupt end to the extraordinary journey of the woman who inspired a generation by carrying the Omani flag to some of the world’s highest and most dangerous peaks.

Nadhira was among a 10-strong team of climbers reported missing following the avalanche in Pakistan-administered Gilgit-Baltistan while attempting to climb Broad Peak, the world’s 12th-highest mountain at 8,047 metres. Her death – alongside that of the Nepalese climber Pur Bahadur Gurung – was announced by the Alpine Club of Pakistan on social media on Friday.

Nadhira etched her name into Oman’s history books in 2019 when she became the first Omani woman to conquer Mount Everest, planting the national flag atop the world’s highest mountain and inspiring countless young Omanis to dream beyond perceived limits.

Nadhira, who was the second Omani national to summit Mount Everest after late Khalid Al Siyabi, became a landmark figure for adventurers across the Sultanate of Oman.

Among the seven still missing from the 10-person expedition on Broad Peak, is renowned Nepal-born climber Nirmal Purja. The multinational climbing group was being led by Purja. He is known for climbing all 14 of the world’s 8,000m-plus mountains in just over six months in 2019.

Three of four climbers’ bodies have been located by Pakistani search crews.

Nadhira’s death triggered an unprecedented wave of grief across the Sultanate, with ministries, senior officials, diplomats, sports personalities and ordinary citizens paying tribute to a woman widely regarded as a symbol of courage, resilience and national pride.

Tributes also spread widely across social media, where thousands of Omanis shared messages celebrating her legacy.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that it is working closely with the relevant Pakistani authorities to complete the formalities required to repatriate Al Harthy’s body to Oman after it was recovered during a difficult search and recovery mission on Broad Peak. Times of Oman

In a statement, a spokesperson for the ministry’s Consular Department expressed profound sorrow over the loss, while extending heartfelt condolences to her family and loved ones.

The ministry also highlighted that Nadhira’s impact reached far beyond mountaineering.

As Chairperson of the Oman-Nepal Friendship Association, she played a significant role in strengthening humanitarian and cultural relations between Oman and Nepal, promoting friendship, cooperation and community engagement.

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth described her as one of Oman’s most inspiring personalities, saying her life represented ambition, perseverance and determination. The ministry said the nation had lost an exceptional figure whose achievements would continue to inspire future generations long after her passing.

The Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority also mourned her death, remembering her as a passionate advocate of safety awareness. The authority said she consistently demonstrated exemplary commitment to safety procedures during her expeditions and actively supported initiatives aimed at promoting a culture of safety throughout society.

Condolences poured in from prominent Omani figures who remembered not only her remarkable achievements but also her character and determination.

Saud Al Harthy described his cousin as a young woman defined by resilience, strength and an unwavering determination to succeed. He said she had left behind a legacy of extraordinary accomplishments that would continue to elevate Oman’s name on the international stage.

Former leading women’s sports administrator Saada Al Ismaili paid tribute to what she described as her inspiring national, educational, sporting and historical legacy. She praised her ability to pursue the demanding mountaineering pursuits, while proudly raising Oman’s flag atop some of the world’s most challenging mountains.

Khalid Al Muslahi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Administrative and Financial Affairs, described Nadhira as the embodiment of perseverance and determination. He said she would forever be remembered as the first Omani woman to stand on the summit of Mount Everest and as a lasting symbol of courage whose legacy would remain deeply rooted in the hearts of Omanis.

Pakistan’s Ambassador to Oman, Naveed Safdar Bokhari, also expressed his condolences.

“Deeply saddened by the tragic news of demise of Nadhira Al Harthy in an avalanche accident. She was a legend in the field of mountaineering and a great source of inspiration for millions. I wish to convey our heartfelt condolences to her family and the entire Omani nation.”

Nadhira’s high-altitude accomplishments also included successful summits of several of the world’s most formidable 8,000m peaks, including Manaslu, K2, and Nanga Parbat.

She became the first Arab woman to reach the summit of Nepal’s challenging Ama Dablam. Earlier in her mountaineering career, she had also climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain.

To many Omanis, however, her greatest achievement extended beyond records and summits. She became a role model who inspired women, young people and aspiring adventurers to pursue ambitious dreams while proudly representing their country on the world stage.

Following a challenging search and recovery operation, Nadhira’s body was recovered from Broad Peak and was transported by helicopter to Skardu. From there, arrangements are being made to repatriate her remains to Oman, where family, friends and the nation will bid a final farewell to a woman whose courage took the Omani flag to the roof of the world—and whose legacy will continue to inspire generations to come. Times of Oman

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Please World Don’t Let Israel Kill Dr Abu Safiya

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