Israel holds Gaza doctor Hussam Abu Safia without charge one year later

Dr. Hussam Abu Safia, a 52-year-old Palestinian doctor, has been held in an Israeli prison for over a year without charges or trial. His family and supporters are calling for his release due to concerns about his deteriorating health.

Abu Safia was detained by Israeli soldiers after he refused to leave the Kamal Adwan Hospital in Beit Lahiya, where he served as director. The hospital, which provides medical services to civilians in Gaza, has been subject to repeated attacks by Israel. Despite this, Abu Safia remained at the hospital with several medical staff until it was eventually forced to evacuate.

Abu Safia is being held under the “unlawful combatant” law, which allows for detention without a standard criminal trial and denies detainees access to evidence against them. He has been transferred between Israeli prisons, including Sde Teiman holding facility and Ofer Prison, where he has reportedly suffered mistreatment.

According to lawyers, Abu Safia’s health has declined significantly, with reports suggesting that he has lost over a third of his body weight due to lack of medical care. His family is worried about his condition, which includes heart problems, high blood pressure, skin infections, and other health issues.

Abu Safia’s eldest son, Ilyas, 27, spoke to Al Jazeera from Kazakhstan, where the family has fled in recent months. He expressed his family’s grief over Abu Safia’s detention, stating that his father was only a doctor who did not deserve to be held without trial.

In December 2024, Israeli forces tightened their siege on the hospital, forcing patients and staff to evacuate. Dr. Walid al-Badi, who remained with Abu Safia until his arrest, reported that the doctor was assaulted during an encounter with Israeli soldiers. The incident has raised concerns about Abu Safia’s treatment and well-being while in detention.

Abu Safia remains in prison without charges or trial, sparking calls for his release from human rights organizations and his family.

Source: Al Jazeera