Campaigners Urge UK Medical College to Call for Release of Palestinian Doctor

Doctors, nurses, and campaigners gathered outside the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) in London to call for the release of Palestinian pediatrician Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, who they say is being held in Israeli custody. Protesters delivered a petition urging the college to publicly demand his immediate release, along with other Palestinian healthcare workers reportedly detained by Israeli authorities.

Speakers at the demonstration argued that the detention of medical personnel undermines international protections afforded to healthcare workers during armed conflicts. Campaigners also expressed concern over the reported deaths of medical staff in Gaza, calling on medical institutions in the United Kingdom and elsewhere to speak out in defense of healthcare workers.

The Israeli government has previously stated that its military operations target armed groups rather than civilians and has disputed allegations of deliberately targeting medical personnel. International organizations have repeatedly called for the protection of healthcare workers and medical facilities under international humanitarian law, while continuing to investigate allegations related to the conflict.