- United States
- Letter
An Open Letter
To: Pres. Biden
From: A constituent in Davis, CA
December 30, 2024
The arbitrary detention of Dr. Hussam Abu Safia, the director of Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza, is a grave violation of international humanitarian law and must be condemned in the strongest terms. His unlawful arrest, along with over 240 others, during Israel's violent raid on the hospital premises is an alarming escalation that jeopardizes the right to healthcare for civilians trapped in the besieged enclave. As a medical professional providing critical services in a conflict zone, Dr. Abu Safia should be afforded full protection under the Geneva Conventions. The systematic dismantling of Gaza's healthcare system through repeated attacks on medical facilities is unconscionable and risks depriving thousands of Palestinians access to essential care. We urge Israel to immediately and unconditionally release Dr. Abu Safia, cease its senseless crackdown on medical workers, and allow humanitarian aid to reach those in dire need. The targeting of healthcare infrastructure is a war crime that cannot be tolerated.