# US congressional pressure regarding Palestinian detainees > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/us-congressional-pressure-regarding-palestinian-detainees > Updated: 2026-09-10T16:14:32.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2. U.S. lawmakers have increasingly pressured the State Department to intervene in the detention of Palestinian individuals held by Israeli authorities. In late August, forty members of Congress, including six senators, requested that Secretary of State Marco Rubio assist in the release of Sama Safi, an American-Palestinian student detained in the West Bank. Lawmakers raised concerns regarding her chronic health condition, Familial Mediterranean Fever, and alleged mistreatment during her initial detention. By mid-September, nearly 70 Democratic and independent members of Congress issued a similar request regarding Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, a pediatrician held in Israeli custody for over 500 days. While the Israel Defense Forces allege his involvement in terrorist activities, lawmakers expressed “urgent concern” regarding his physical well-being and “imminent threats” to his life, calling for diplomatic advocacy during engagements with Israeli officials. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-10: U.S. lawmakers urge Marco Rubio to help release Palestinian doctor Nearly 70 U.S. lawmakers are urging Secretary of State Marco Rubio to help secure the release of Palestinian doctor Hussam Abu Safiya, who has been held by Israeli authorities for over 500 days. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-lawmakers-urge-marco-rubio-to-help-release-palestinian-doctor ### 2026-08-25: US lawmakers demand release of American student held in Israel Forty US lawmakers are urging Secretary of State Marco Rubio to secure the release of Sama Safi, an American student held in Israeli military detention facing severe health risks. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-lawmakers-demand-release-of-american-student-held-in-israel --- Cite as: US congressional pressure regarding Palestinian detainees. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/us-congressional-pressure-regarding-palestinian-detainees