Israeli Supreme Court Upholds Detention of Palestinian Doctor Hussam Abu Safia

Israel’s Supreme Court rejected an appeal by Dr. Hussam Abu Safia, the director of Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza, on 16 June, ordering that his detention continue. The doctor has been held under the Unlawful Combatants Law for more than 500 days without any criminal charge, remaining in solitary confinement at Nafha Prison and denied essential medical treatment.

Human‑rights groups, including Physicians for Human Rights Israel, say the ruling represents a grave legal and moral failure. They cite reports of the doctor’s deteriorating health, visible signs of torture, and the lack of any formal indictment. The organizations have called on the International Committee of the Red Cross, the World Health Organization and UN special rapporteurs to intervene and secure his immediate release and access to care.