A United Nations inquiry has urged Israel to immediately release Palestinian doctor Hussam Abu Safiya. The physician has remained in Israeli custody since December 2024. Moreover, the inquiry raised concerns over reports of abuse during his detention.
Abu Safiya served as the director of Kamal Adwan Hospital in Gaza. Rights groups say Israeli authorities continue holding him without formal charges.
UN Raises Concerns Over Detention Conditions
The UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, called for his immediate release. The commission said reports about his treatment raise serious concerns under international law.
According to the inquiry, Abu Safiya’s medical condition has worsened during detention. Furthermore, it said the reported actions could amount to international crimes if confirmed.
Physicians for Human Rights Israel and the doctor’s lawyer warned that his life is in imminent danger. On Monday, his lawyer alleged that he faces daily abuse while in custody.
Israel Rejects Allegations Of Mistreatment
An Israel Prison Service spokesperson rejected the allegations as false and without factual basis. The spokesperson did not identify Abu Safiya by name but denied claims of prisoner mistreatment.
In June, Abu Safiya appeared by video link during an Israeli Supreme Court hearing. Observers said he appeared noticeably thinner than before.
The UN inquiry stated that the reported treatment reflects a broader pattern identified in previous investigations. Meanwhile, Israel has repeatedly rejected the commission’s findings and accused it of political bias.
Earlier this week, the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention also called for Abu Safiya’s immediate release. The body said his detention violates multiple provisions of international human rights law.
