World News
US lawmakers urge State Department to secure release of American student held by Israel
More than 40 members of Congress say 20-year-old Sama Safi is being held without charge under deteriorating health conditions.
The short version
- More than 40 US lawmakers sent a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio calling for the immediate release of 20-year-old Palestinian American student Sama Safi.
- Safi has been held without charge by the Israeli military in the occupied West Bank since a June raid, according to the letter.
- Lawmakers expressed concern that Safi's health is worsening due to a chronic medical condition, lack of regular medication, and poor prison conditions.
- The State Department stated it is tracking the situation, while the Israeli military previously claimed the detainees were held for promoting hostile terrorist activity.
Key facts
- Over 40 members of the US Congress, including six senators, signed a letter requesting Secretary of State Marco Rubio intervene in Sama Safi's detention.[Al Jazeera]
- Sama Safi, a 20-year-old US citizen and Birzeit University student, was detained in the occupied West Bank in June and is being held without formal charges.[Al Jazeera]
- Lawmakers reported that Safi suffers from Familial Mediterranean Fever and lacks adequate medical care and access to her medication.[Al Jazeera]
- The State Department declined to comment on the specifics of Safi's case due to privacy concerns but confirmed it is tracking the report.[Al Jazeera]
What remains uncertain
- The Israeli military stated that the suspects were detained for promoting hostile terrorist activity, but specific evidence or charges have not been publicly detailed.[Al Jazeera]