Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya's health crisis prompts call for independent exam

Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, director of the Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza, was detained by Israeli forces on 27 December 2024 during a raid on the facility. He has been held without charge under Israel’s Unlawful Combatants Law.

Physicians for Human Rights‑Israel (PHRI) says his condition has sharply deteriorated. An affidavit from his lawyer, Nasser Odeh, after a July 2 visit to the Rakefet wing of Nitzan Prison describes severe bruising to his head, eyes, ears and neck, broken ribs, chest injuries, breathing difficulties and weight loss. Abu Safiya told his lawyer he fears he will not survive.

PHRI has petitioned the Israeli Administrative Court to order the Israel Prison Service to allow an independent medical specialist to examine him, arguing that only an impartial assessment can determine the extent of his injuries and the risk to his life. The group also seeks the release of fourteen other detained Palestinian doctors. Since October 2023, at least 75–98 Palestinians have died while in Israeli custody, according to UN and Israeli data cited by PHRI.