A United Nations inquiry on Wednesday called for the immediate release of prominent Palestinian doctor Hussam Abu Safiya, expressing concern over reports that he has been abused while in Israeli detention since his arrest in Gaza in December 2024.
The UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, said the director of Kamal Adwan Hospital remains detained without charge and warned that his treatment raises serious concerns under international law.
Rights groups and Abu Safiya’s lawyer have said his life is in imminent danger. According to Physicians for Human Rights Israel, an Israeli rights group, he continues to be held without charge.
“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. Dr. Abu Safiya’s medical condition is the direct result of these actions,” the inquiry said in a statement.
An Israel Prison Service spokesperson said on Wednesday:
“The allegations and characterisations described are false, outrageous, and entirely without factual basis.”
Although the spokesperson did not name Abu Safiya, the IPS has previously denied allegations that he and other Palestinian medical workers have been mistreated in detention.
