Palestinian Doctor’s Health Deteriorates in Israeli Custody Amid Abuse Allegations
A prominent Palestinian doctor, Hussam Abu Safiya, who was detained by Israeli forces 18 months ago, is reportedly in critical condition due to alleged mistreatment in captivity. His lawyer, Nasser Odeh, and the human rights group representing him, Physicians for Human Rights Israel, have voiced concerns over his well-being.
Abu Safiya, formerly serving as the director of the Kamal Adwan Hospital in Gaza, gained recognition for his leadership during the Israel-Hamas conflict. He managed the hospital through an 85-day Israeli military siege, during which he released video messages calling for assistance before his arrest in December 2024. Notably, no charges have been filed against him.
The Israeli military claims that Abu Safiya, aged 53, is under investigation for possible collaboration with Hamas, accusations that are refuted by his colleagues and international aid organizations.
According to Odeh, a recent visit to Abu Safiya revealed that he was extremely frail, with visible injuries to his head, eyes, ears, and neck, and was experiencing difficulty breathing. Odeh, along with Physicians for Human Rights Israel, has filed for Abu Safiya’s transfer to another facility.
Reports indicate that Abu Safiya has endured solitary confinement and both physical and psychological abuse. These allegations were presented during a recent session before Israel’s Supreme Court, which challenges his detention without formal charges. During the hearing, Abu Safiya appeared via video link, looking notably pale and with marks on his arms.
The Israel Prison Service has dismissed these claims, stating that “the allegations are false and entirely without factual basis.” While they declined to discuss the specific case, they maintain that all detainees receive care per the Ministry of Health guidelines.
Criticism of Israel’s treatment of Palestinian detainees has intensified since the onset of its conflict with Hamas in October 2023. Human rights groups and the United Nations have highlighted patterns of alleged abuse.
Following the war’s outbreak, the number of Palestinians held by Israel has surged, with thousands still in detention. The Associated Press has reported on the harsh conditions within these prisons.
The conflict began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched an attack on southern Israel, resulting in approximately 1,200 Israeli deaths and the capture of 251 hostages. In retaliation, Israel’s sustained offensive in Gaza has led to over 73,000 Palestinian fatalities, according to the local Health Ministry.
