The arrest and prolonged detention of healthcare workers in conflict zones has become a focal point for international humanitarian organizations. Among those recently released is Dr. Ahmad Mhanna, the former director of Al-Awda Hospital in northern Gaza, who spent 22 months in Israeli custody. His account highlights the severe challenges faced by medical professionals operating in high-conflict environments, where the lines between clinical duty and military suspicion have frequently blurred.
The detention of medical personnel, protected under international humanitarian law, remains a subject of intense scrutiny by global bodies. Reports from human rights groups, including Amnesty International, have consistently raised concerns regarding the conditions of Palestinian detainees held in Israeli facilities, citing allegations of systemic abuse, torture, and the denial of basic rights, such as access to legal counsel and medical care.
The Raid on Al-Awda Hospital
According to testimonies documented by international human rights organizations, the detention of Dr. Mhanna began on December 16, 2023, during an Israeli military operation at Al-Awda Hospital in the Jabalia refugee camp. Medical facilities are granted special protection under the Geneva Conventions, which mandate that hospitals and medical staff must be respected and protected in all circumstances, provided they do not engage in acts harmful to the enemy.
Dr. Mhanna’s account details his removal from the hospital while in his surgical scrubs, followed by a period of being held in restraints. These events occurred during a broader military campaign in the Gaza Strip that has drawn criticism from the United Nations and various international observers regarding the impact on healthcare infrastructure and the safety of medical workers. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has repeatedly reported on the severe degradation of healthcare services in Gaza since October 2023, noting the frequent disruption of medical facilities due to military activities.
Conditions of Detention and Legal Frameworks
Following his initial arrest, Dr. Mhanna was moved through several detention facilities, including the Sde Teiman military base. The treatment of detainees at Sde Teiman has been the subject of ongoing investigations and legal challenges. Reports from groups such as B’Tselem and other human rights monitors have documented allegations of poor living conditions, overcrowding, and the use of harsh interrogation methods at this site. The Israeli military has maintained that its detention centers operate in accordance with the law, though it has faced pressure from the Israeli Supreme Court and international bodies to improve conditions for detainees.
During his detention, Dr. Mhanna reported being held under the Unlawful Combatants Law, a legal framework that allows for the detention of individuals suspected of involvement in hostilities without the standard criminal charges required under civilian law. The application of this law has been criticized for its limited judicial oversight and the reliance on “secret evidence,” which often prevents detainees from effectively challenging the basis of their imprisonment. Legal experts often point to the tension between state security measures and the fundamental rights of detainees to a fair trial, as outlined in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
Healthcare Under Duress
The experience of Dr. Mhanna underscores the broader crisis facing the Palestinian healthcare system. With numerous hospitals damaged or rendered inaccessible—often behind military-defined zones—the ability of doctors to provide life-saving care has been fundamentally compromised. The World Health Organization (WHO) has documented hundreds of attacks on healthcare facilities and personnel in the occupied Palestinian territory, emphasizing that the loss of medical capacity significantly exacerbates the humanitarian toll on the civilian population.
In his testimony, Dr. Mhanna described the psychological and physical toll of his 22-month ordeal, including extreme weight loss and the trauma of witnessing the deaths of fellow detainees due to lack of medical intervention. His release in October 2025 followed an intervention by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), which continues to monitor the status of detainees and facilitate communication between families and those held in custody.
The Path Forward
As Dr. Mhanna transitions back to civilian life, his focus remains on the state of Al-Awda Hospital and the ongoing need for medical aid in the region. The destruction of health infrastructure is not merely a logistical failure but a profound loss for the community, as the reconstruction of such facilities takes years and requires significant international support. Organizations like the WHO and various NGOs continue to call for the protection of medical workers and the restoration of safe, neutral access to healthcare for all residents of Gaza.
The international community continues to monitor reports regarding the treatment of detainees and the status of healthcare workers in conflict zones. For those interested in the latest official reports on humanitarian conditions in the region, the United Nations OCHA portal provides regular updates and situation reports regarding the operational status of hospitals and the latest developments in international humanitarian law compliance.
This report is based on documented testimonies and international human rights observations. We encourage our readers to engage with the ongoing discussions surrounding the protection of medical neutrality in conflict zones. Share your thoughts in the comments section below.