A United Nations inquiry commission has urged Israel to immediately release Dr. Hussam Abu Safia, a Palestinian doctor detained for over 18 months without charge. The appeal was made on July 6, 2026, by the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, citing credible reports of severe abuse faced by the doctor.
Concerns Over Dr. Hussam Abu Safia's Health
Dr. Abu Safia, aged 52, is the director of Gaza’s Kamal Adwan Hospital. His lawyer, Nasser Odeh, has expressed grave concerns regarding the doctor’s health, stating that he has shown signs of regular torture and daily abuse while in custody. During a recent visit, Odeh struggled to recognize Abu Safia due to his severe injuries.
Footage from a recent court appearance revealed a noticeably thinner Abu Safia, raising alarms among rights groups and his family. The UN commission emphasized the need for immediate independent medical care for him.
International Outcry and Allegations of Abuse
Israeli authorities classified Dr. Abu Safia as an “unlawful combatant” when he was detained along with other medical personnel in December 2024. This designation allows for prolonged detention without trial, a practice criticized by various international bodies.
The UN commission's statement highlighted that the treatment of Abu Safia reflects a broader pattern of violations by Israeli authorities. “The actions of the Israeli Prison Service guards towards Palestinian detainees raise grave concerns of violations of international law that likely amount to international crimes,” it stated.
Reactions from Israeli Authorities and the UN
A spokesperson for the Israel Prison Service (IPS) dismissed the commission's claims as “false, outrageous, and entirely without factual basis.” However, this denial does not address the specific allegations concerning Dr. Abu Safia.
In a significant report from September 2025, the UN commission accused Israeli authorities of committing genocide by targeting healthcare professionals and the healthcare system in Gaza since October 2023. Additionally, a separate UN rights body recently labeled Abu Safia’s detention as “arbitrary,” calling for his immediate release.
Dr. Abu Safia is among 14 Palestinian doctors currently held by Israel without charge. Before his detention, he was an outspoken advocate for Gaza’s devastated healthcare sector, continuing his work despite personal tragedy, including the loss of one of his sons in an Israeli drone attack.
🤖 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.
