Anna Dixon asks about government efforts to secure release of Gaza medical staff

Anna Dixon MP has today asked the government about the steps they are taking to secure the release of several healthcare workers in Gaza.

The Shipley raised the case specifically of Dr Hussam Abu Safiya, the Director of Kamal Adwan Hospital in the Gaza Strip, who has been detained by Israeli forces since December 2024.

Speaking to Anneliese Dodds, the Minister of State for Development, in the House of Commons, Anna Dixon MP said: "I welcome the Foreign Secretary’s efforts to secure a sustainable ceasefire and the release of hostages.

"Many of my constituents have expressed concern about the recent raid of Kamal Adwan hospital, which was one of the last healthcare facilities still operating in Gaza.

"The hospital’s director, Dr Safiya, was detained along with several of his staff during that raid. International law prohibits the detention of medical staff in conflict zones.

"What is the Minister doing to secure the release of these medical staff so that Gaza’s civilians can continue to access essential medical care?"

In response, the minister said: "My hon. Friend is right to raise this critically important issue.

We have raised the protection of healthcare facilities and the detention of healthcare workers directly with the Israeli Government.

The Minister for the middle east, my hon. Friend the Member for Lincoln (Mr Falconer), has specifically raised the detention of Dr Hussam Abu Safiya with both Israel’s deputy Foreign Minister and its ambassador to the UK.