Hussam Abu Safiya, a Gaza doctor and the director of Kamal Adwan Hospital, has been held in Israeli custody without charge since December 2024. His family, colleagues, and human rights organizations are concerned about his well-being, fearing that he may face dire consequences while in detention.
Abu Safiya, along with several other doctors from Gaza, has been detained without trial for over a year, as reported by Physicians for Human Rights Israel. Calls for his immediate release have come from various quarters, including the United Nations and Amnesty International.
During a recent visit to Abu Safiya, his lawyer observed signs of physical abuse, including bruises and torture marks on his body. Abu Safiya expressed to his lawyer that he feared for his life, stating, “This is the last time you’ll see me … they brought me here to kill me.”
Israel’s Supreme Court recently rejected an appeal to release Abu Safiya, citing undisclosed confidential materials. The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) have accused Abu Safiya of ties to Hamas, a claim denied by Gaza’s Health Ministry and Hamas.
The detainment of Abu Safiya under the unlawful combatants law has raised concerns about potential violations of international law. Organizations such as MENA Rights Group and the UN have expressed alarm over reports of abuse during his captivity and have called for his immediate release.
Despite ongoing appeals for his freedom, Abu Safiya remains in Israeli custody, prompting calls for global solidarity to pressure Israel to release him and other detained health-care workers. The situation has raised significant concerns about the treatment of medical professionals in Gaza and the impact on the healthcare system in the region.