Israeli rights group raises health concerns for Gaza doctor held without charge

The short version

• Hussam Abu Safiya, director of Kamal Adwan hospital, was detained in December 2024 and has not been formally charged.[The Guardian]
• A rights group says authorities are ignoring his deteriorating health; Prof Amit Tirosh warns inadequate care could cost him his life.[The Guardian · Al Jazeera]
• Israeli authorities allege he exaggerated his medical problems, while the prison service calls the allegations part of a campaign against Israel.[The Guardian]
• The Supreme Court dismissed a petition seeking release of 14 doctors, finding no grounds to intervene in the Chief of Staff's decision.[Al Jazeera]

Key facts

• Hussam Abu Safiya was detained at work on 27 December 2024 and later held in solitary confinement at Rakefet prison.[The Guardian]
• Nearly 700 days after his arrest, Israeli authorities had not filed formal charges against him.[The Guardian]
• He was classified as an unlawful combatant along with more than 375 medical workers.[The Guardian]
• The Supreme Court dismissed a petition seeking release of 14 doctors, finding no grounds to intervene in the Chief of Staff's decision.[Al Jazeera]
• Prof Amit Tirosh said continuous food deprivation, weight loss, repeated beatings and inadequate medical care could cost Abu Safiya his life.[The Guardian]
• Medical records documented bruising around one eye, dizziness and rib pain in July, and Abu Safiya told lawyers he had been beaten by guards.[The Guardian]
• A spokesperson for the Israeli prison service said the allegations are part of a broader campaign against Israel and that the service operates under judicial oversight.[The Guardian]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.

• Fresh concerns raised over Gaza doctor held by Israel for 23 months without chargeThe Guardian - World
• Rights group raises concerns about jailed Dr Abu Safia amid strikes on GazaAl Jazeera