Four UN independent experts called on the Israeli authorities to immediately release a hospital director in Gaza. They described the detention of Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, the Palestinian director of Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza, without any charge, as arbitrary detention.
In a written statement, they highlighted reports that Abu Safiya had been subjected to "severe and ongoing torture" and suffered life-threatening injuries. They stressed that the doctor must receive immediate appropriate medical care.
The experts stated that Abu Safiya's unjust detention is an indication of the systematic targeting of Palestinian health workers. They accused Israel of continuing to destroy the health system in Gaza.
The experts mandated by the UN Human Rights Council recalled that they have previously raised concerns about Israel's "Unlawful Combatants Law", under which Palestinians are detained. They stressed that Abu Safiya must be released and his safety guaranteed.
The statement said that Israel's war on Gaza has turned the medical profession into a crime and made health workers targets of harassment, intimidation, arrest, torture and killing.
Israeli forces arrested Abu Safiya during a raid on Kamal Adwan Hospital in December 2024, alleging that the hospital was used by Hamas. Gaza health officials deny the allegation.
Lawyer's allegations on detention conditions
The doctor's lawyer, Nasser Awdeh, said that his client is being held in solitary confinement in Israeli prisons and has difficulty breathing due to blows to his head and face. Awdeh stated that Abu Safiya's health condition is extremely critical and that he is subjected to "systematic brutal assault" every day.
The lawyer said he was able to visit his client a few days ago and that Abu Safiya was brought with his hands and feet shackled, struggling to walk and move.
The lawyer stated that during the meeting, Abu Safiya expressed fear that this visit might not be repeated, and he asserted that the Israeli authorities' practices are intended to cause deliberate harm. Awdeh claimed that this points to a pre-existing decision to execute the doctor in detention.
Among those who signed the statement was UN Special Rapporteur on Palestine Francesca Albanese, who has accused Israel of genocide in Gaza.
Maria Nica / Editor
