The Media Accountability Project  

Thank you for balanced article on Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya

The article rightly raises skepticism around Israeli claims by including Palestinian perspectives, noting that both Hamas and the Palestinian Health Ministry in Gaza deny the accusation that Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya is a member of Hamas. Given that a key element in the Israeli playbook is relying on misinformation in their war of information, including Palestinian perspectives and denying these baseless allegations is so important.

Dear Sara and Basem,

 I am writing on behalf of Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East to thank you for the article published today titled: “Family of Gaza hospital chief detained by Israel 'shocked' over his deteriorating health condition.”

 The article was refreshing to read on many fronts.

First, it uses precise language, specifying that Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, former director of Kamal Adwan Hospital in Gaza was “detained” by the Israeli military in December 2024 after refusing to abandon his patients and staff and has been held in detention ever since. 

The use of the word “detain” instead of “imprison” is more accurate because Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya was abducted by the Israeli forces and has been held in detention ever since then in a small cell with no access to water, medicine, and his own lawyer. To specify he is imprisoned implies guilt or a conviction when in fact he has not been convicted of any crime.

Second, the article rightly raises skepticism around Israeli claims by including Palestinian perspectives, noting that both Hamas and the Palestinian Health Ministry in Gaza deny the accusation that Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya is a member of Hamas. Given that a key element in the Israeli playbook is relying on misinformation in their war of information, including Palestinian perspectives and denying these baseless allegations is so important.

We thank you once again for reporting on the dire conditions Dr.Husam Abu Safiya is facing while being illegally kidnapped by the Israeli military. Please continue to do so, as he is at risk of imminent death as we speak.

Lynn Naji

Media Analyst

Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East

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