Israel, Amnesty International: “Immediately release Palestinian pediatrician Hussam Abu Safiya”

From our correspondent in the West Bank
Eyad Hamad
14 luglio 2026

The inhumane health conditions of Palestinian hostages in Israeli prisons too often lead to the death of civilians arbitrarily kidnapped without charges or trial under the so-called “Law on Illegal Combatants”, a cruel regulation that allows the army to issue indefinitely renewable detention orders against anyone arrested in the Gaza Strip who is suspected of posing a threat to State security or being involved in hostile activities, based on secret evidence and without the obligation to present an indictment.

Human rights organizations have issued urgent warnings about the condition of Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, director of Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza, stating that his life is in immediate danger following testimony provided by his lawyer after a recent prison visit.

Dr. Abu Safiya, born in 1973 in the Jabalia Refugee Camp, is a consultant pediatrician and neonatologist who led Kamal Adwan Hospital throughout the war in Gaza. He has been illegally in prison for over 18 months, since December 27, 2024, when he was arrested while on duty at Kamal Adwan Hospital in the Gaza Strip.

He became widely known for remaining at the hospital to care for patients despite repeated attacks, the siege, and the loss and injury of members of his own family.

Israeli forces arrested Dr. Abu Safiya on 27 December 2024. He remains detained under Israel’s “Unlawful Combatant” law. International human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and Physicians for Human Rights Israel, have called for his immediate release, citing serious concerns over his reported treatment in detention and the deterioration of his health.

The son of the imprisoned physician speaks

In a statement sent to Amnesty International by Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya’s son, Elias, the family spokesperson, it reads:”My father is going through an extremely critical moment, hanging between life and death. His health and situation are worsening day by day”.

“We ask the international community, human rights organizations, the media, and all people of conscience to intervene urgently so that the torture and all other violations against him stop immediately, that he receives urgent medical care, that his condition can be monitored through independent legal and humanitarian channels, and that his protection and full respect for his fundamental rights are ensured – he stated the son and then concluded – The world’s silence today could cost an innocent person their life. Time is running out, and we ask you to take action before it’s too late”.

The fear of dying in prison

According to Physicians for Human Rights Israel (PHRI), attorney Nasser Odeh met Dr. Abu Safiya at the underground interrogation facility known as “Rakevet” inside Nitzan Prison. During the meeting, Dr. Abu Safiya reportedly told his lawyer:
“This is the last time you will see me”.

“They brought me here to kill me. I don’t believe I will leave here alive. This is the end”, said the Palestinian doctor.
The lawyer reported that Dr. Abu Safiya appeared shackled by both his hands and feet and bore fresh injuries and bruises to his head, face, and neck. He was reportedly struggling to breathe and speak, appeared severely exhausted, and nearly lost consciousness several times during the visit.

Dr. Abu Safiya said he has been subjected to daily physical assaults, has repeatedly lost consciousness, and has been denied the medical treatment he urgently requires.

Doctors in the crosshairs of the Israeli government

According to reports by human rights and medical organizations, Israeli authorities are currently holding at least 28 Palestinian physicians from the Gaza Strip among more than 160 detained healthcare workers. Rights groups continue to urge the international community to secure their protection, ensure they receive adequate medical care, and press for their release in accordance with international humanitarian and human rights law.

The Israeli authorities have publicly stated that detainees are treated in accordance with Israeli law and that allegations of abuse are subject to review. Human rights organizations, however, continue to call for independent investigations into the reported treatment of Palestinian medical personnel in detention.

Amnesty International said today that “the Israeli authorities must immediately release the Palestinian pediatrician and director of Kamal Adwan Hospital, Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, who has been arbitrarily detained, according to his lawyer who visited him in prison and stated that his life is in serious danger due to the torture and mistreatment he suffered while in custody”.

 

Eyad Hamad
‏‪eyad.h158@gmail.com‬‏
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