Gaza: Concerns have been raised over the deteriorating health of Palestinian doctor Murad Walid Al-Qouqa, who is being held in Israeli custody. The Palestinian Center for the Defense of Prisoners has alleged that the 47-year-old doctor has faced torture, mistreatment, and medical neglect during his detention.
Dr. Al-Qouqa served as a consultant orthopedic and spine surgeon and headed the Orthopedic and Spine Surgery Unit at Al-Shifa Medical Complex in Gaza. According to the center, he was arrested on March 19, 2024, during an Israeli operation at Al-Shifa Medical Complex while he was treating patients and the wounded.
The report said his family was unable to contact him after his arrest. Information later received through a lawyer and other testimonies allegedly indicated that he had been subjected to beatings and torture. The center said he also suffered a serious eye injury that affected his vision and has been living with a herniated disc, high blood pressure, and stomach ulcers. It alleged that he was denied blood pressure medication for two months or longer.
According to the center, his health has deteriorated significantly, with his weight reportedly dropping by around 45 kilograms due to starvation, medical neglect, and harsh detention conditions. He is currently believed to be held at Negev Prison. While a lawyer was eventually able to visit him, the International Committee of the Red Cross has reportedly been unable to do so.
The center said Al-Qouqa’s case reflects the broader situation of Palestinian doctors held in Israeli prisons. According to its statement, 16 doctors and dozens of other healthcare workers remain in detention, with several reportedly arrested while carrying out their humanitarian duties inside hospitals.
The Palestinian Center for the Defense of Prisoners has called on the United Nations, the World Health Organization, the International Committee of the Red Cross, and human rights organizations to intervene urgently. It urged authorities to ensure that Dr. Al-Qouqa receives necessary medical treatment, allow regular visits by lawyers and the Red Cross, and secure the release of him and other detained doctors and healthcare workers.