Dr. Hussam Abu Safia, the director of Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza, is reported to be in critical condition after spending over 555 days in Israeli custody. His son, Elyas Abu Safia, issued an urgent appeal for his father's release, emphasizing the severe deterioration of his health as documented by a rights group.
On July 2, 2026, lawyer Nasser Odeh visited Dr. Abu Safia in a maximum-security prison and reported alarming details. Elyas shared that his father was unable to breathe or speak, exhibiting signs of severe abuse following his transfer to solitary confinement.
Health Deterioration of Dr. Hussam Abu Safia
According to Elyas Abu Safia, his father’s health has sharply declined since being incarcerated. The visit from his lawyer revealed that Dr. Abu Safia's face showed signs of torture, with visible marks and bruises. Elyas condemned the silence of Arab and Muslim leaders, stating, “Your silence is a betrayal and a crime.”
The rights group, Physicians for Human Rights Israel, expressed grave concerns for Dr. Abu Safia’s life, stating that his injuries and the conditions of his detention are unacceptable. The group reported that he was brought to the lawyer's visit with his hands and feet bound, surrounded by masked guards.
Urgent Calls for Action
Human rights activists are calling for immediate action regarding Dr. Abu Safia’s situation. He has been classified as an “unlawful combatant” by Israeli authorities, which allows them to detain individuals without charge for extended periods. This designation has raised significant legal and ethical concerns.
In addition to the calls from his family, the United Nations experts have also urged Israel to release Dr. Abu Safia and ensure he receives necessary medical care. He is one of 14 Palestinian doctors currently held without charges in Israeli prisons, highlighting a broader issue within the region's healthcare system.
International Response and Advocacy
The international community has responded with alarm at the treatment of Palestinian detainees, particularly healthcare professionals. The testimony provided by lawyer Nasser Odeh is described as among the most shocking since the beginning of the war, illustrating the dire circumstances faced by those in custody.
- Dr. Hussam Abu Safia detained since December 27, 2024.
- Severe health issues reported, including difficulty breathing and loss of consciousness.
- Calls for medical attention and release from multiple human rights organizations.
The ongoing situation emphasizes the need for advocacy and intervention to protect the rights of detainees and uphold humanitarian standards.
🤖 This article was rewritten by Feed and Figures' editorial AI from a report originally published by Al Jazeera. Facts and quotes are preserved from the original; the rewrite focuses on clarity and structure. For the unedited original, see the source link below.
