Tel Aviv [Israel], July 6: Prominent Palestinian hospital director Hussam Abu Safiya is in acute danger while in Israeli detention, his lawyer and human rights activists said.
Abu Safiya, who headed the Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza, was detained around 18 months ago during the Gaza war, with Israel accusing him of links to the Palestinian group Hamas. After visiting Abu Safiya on Thursday, his lawyer, Nasser Odeh, said there had been a severe deterioration in his health. The visit took place at the underground Rakefet interrogation facility in Nitzan Prison.
Physicians for Human Rights Israel and Odeh called for Abu Safiya's immediate transfer from the facility and an urgent judicial visit to assess his condition.
The rights group reported that in his affidavit, Odeh said that Abu Safiya had been brought to the meeting with his hands and feet shackled and showing fresh and severe injuries to his head, around his eyes, on his ears and neck - "to the extent that his lawyer initially struggled to recognize him." Abu Safiya had experienced difficulty breathing and speaking continuously and appeared extremely weak, it said.
"Attorney Odeh noted that he appeared frightened, exhibited severe psychological distress and was reluctant to speak freely due to fear of being targeted. Based on these direct observations, Attorney Odeh concluded that Dr. Abu Safiya's life is in immediate danger," the rights group said.
Odeh said Abu Safiya had himself reported ill-treatment during his detention, including beatings and repeated violence while in solitary confinement, as well as a lack of medical care. The doctor repeatedly expressed fears for his life, the lawyer said.
The Israel Prison Service rejected the allegations as "false and entirely without factual basis." It said all prisoners are held in accordance with the law and receive medical care based on professional medical judgment and in accordance with Ministry of Health guidelines.
"The Israel Prison Service rejects allegations of abuse, torture, starvation, or denial of medical treatment. Any specific complaint or allegation raised through the appropriate legal and official channels is examined by the competent authorities in accordance with established procedures," it added.
According to the rights group, Abu Safiya has been in detention since December 27, 2024, under the Unlawful Enemy Combatants Law, without charge and without due process. Following his detention, the Israeli military said Abu Safiya was being questioned on suspicion of his possible involvement in terrorist activities, alleging that Hamas had used the clinic in the north of the Gaza Strip for military purposes and as a hideout.
Appeals for his release have been rejected by the Israeli Supreme Court.
Source: Qatar Tribune