Gaza hospital director jailed in 'Israel' in life-threatening danger, lawyer says

• Physicians for Human Rights–Israel says Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya showed severe injuries and signs of physical deterioration during a prison visit.
• Lawyer reports he is being held in an underground interrogation unit inside Nitzan Prison and is calling for urgent medical care and release.

Physicians for Human Rights-'Israel' (PHRI) has issued an urgent warning over the condition of Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, Director of Kamal Adwan Hospital in Gaza, saying his life may be in immediate danger following a recent lawyer visit inside detention facilities in 'Israel'.

The group said attorney Nasser Odeh met Abu Safiya inside the underground interrogation unit known as “Rakefet”, located within Nitzan Prison.

According to PHRI, the lawyer reported that Dr. Abu Safiya was brought to the meeting handcuffed and shackled, with visible injuries and bruising to his head, face and neck.

He was reportedly struggling to breathe and speak, appeared severely exhausted, and lost consciousness several times during the visit.

The lawyer further said Abu Safiya described repeated assaults, frequent loss of consciousness, and denial of adequate medical care while in detention.

PHRI quoted Abu Safiya as telling his lawyer:

“This is the last time you will see me… They brought me here to kill me. I do not see myself leaving here alive. This is the end.”

The organisation said the conditions described require urgent medical intervention and independent assessment.

PHRI is calling for Abu Safiya’s immediate transfer out of the underground unit, an independent urgent medical examination, and his release, along with other healthcare workers detained without charge or trial.

Authorities in 'Israel' have not issued a public response to the allegations at the time of reporting.