Hussam Abu Safiya, director of Kamal Adwan Hospital in Gaza, who has been detained by Israel since 2024, is facing an immediate threat to his life, Physicians for Human Rights has said.
Physicians for Human Rights said its lawyer, Nasser Odeh, documented serious injuries, signs of physical abuse, breathing difficulties and repeated episodes of loss of consciousness during a July 2 visit to Abu Safiya at the Rakefet detention facility in Nitzan Prison, according to the Palestinian news agency WAFA on Saturday.
Abu Safiya was brought to the meeting shackled at both hands and feet and escorted by masked prison guards, Odeh said.
He showed fresh injuries and severe bruising around his head, eyes, ears and neck, with Odeh saying his physical condition had deteriorated to the point that he was difficult to recognise.
Grave concerns
Physicians for Human Rights Israel renewed its call for the immediate release of Abu Safiya and other doctors held without charge or trial.
Naji Abbas, head of the Prisoners and Detainees Department at the organisation, said the latest information has sparked urgent and grave concerns over Abu Safiya’s life.
