Al Jazeera 360 to broadcast “The Last Doctor Standing”: A documentary on Dr Abu Safiya’s story
Al Jazeera 360 is set to broadcast the compelling documentary ‘The Last Doctor Standing’, which follows the extraordinary resilience of Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, the Director of Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza, who defied threats and intimidation to serve war victims.
The 45-minute film chronicles the harrowing journey of Dr Abu Safiya and his dedicated medical team, who endured over 16 months of relentless pressure amidst Israeli occupation forces’ attempts to evacuate and destroy the hospital.
The film highlights how Dr Abu Safiya’s determination to keep the hospital operational, was a crucial factor for the 450,000+ Palestinians remaining in northern Gaza. Throughout the 16 months he resisted forced displacement by the Israeli occupation forces. It further showcases how his service towards the community came at a significant personal cost, losing most of his medical team, the tragic killing of his son Ibrahim and the shooting of his second son, Idris and the destruction of his family home.
According to his lawyers, Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya is in critical condition after being beaten in the notorious Ofer prison. Since December, he has reportedly lost nearly half of his body weight due to forced starvation.
Despite Dr Abu Safiya holding foreign citizenship that could have granted him safe passage out of Gaza, the film clearly portrays his choice to remain and serve his people, demonstrating his profound commitment to the profession. The culmination of the film shows his courageous stance ultimately led to his detention by Israeli occupation forces in December 2024. The hospital he fought to protect was later set on fire, rendering it out of service.
‘The Last Doctor Standing’ captures a rare and poignant story of resilience, illustrating the lengths to which one individual will go to fulfil their duty amid war and carnage. The documentary also explores Dr Abu Safiya's legacy and how it serves as a powerful symbol of human dignity and non-violent resistance, reminding viewers of a doctor’s steadfastness in serving his community during brutal war.
Watch the documentary "The Last Doctor Standing" without restrictions on Al Jazeera 360 on Thursday,17 July 2025, at 21:00 Doha time. And also on the Al Jazeera 360 app on all smart screens and other devices.
