‘Israel’ refuses to release Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, Dr. Marwan Al Hams in prisoner deal

• 'Israel' will not release two Palestinian doctors under ceasefire deal
• Detained doctors remain in custody despite broader prisoner exchange with Hamas

Palestinian pediatrician Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya and Dr. Marwan Al Hams, director of Gaza field hospitals, will not be released as part of the ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement with Hamas, according to a Hamas source.

“The occupation refused to release Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya,” the official told CNN on Friday, confirming that both doctors will remain in 'Israeli' custody despite the wider deal.

Details of the prisoner exchange

Under the agreement reached Wednesday, Hamas must release the remaining 48 captives in Gaza, of whom 20 are believed to be alive. In return, 'Israel' is to free 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences and 1,700 Palestinians detained since October 7, 2023.

Dr. Safiya was detained during a raid in December 2024, when 'Israeli' forces shut down Kamal Adwan Hospital in Beit Lahiya. 'Israel' claimed, without evidence, that he was “suspected of being a Hamas terrorist operative.”

Since March, he has not been brought before a judge, interrogated, or informed of the legal grounds for his detention, according to Physicians for Human Rights Israel (PHRI). Last month, PHRI reported that Safiya endured starvation, abuse, and invasive cell searches while in custody.

Dr. Al Hams was also detained in July 2025, and both remain in 'Israeli' detention despite the broader prisoner release deal.