Gaza doctor Hussam Abu Safiya could face “imminent death”: UN experts

United Nations experts and an independent inquiry have issued an urgent call for the immediate release of Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, a prominent Palestinian pediatrician and director of Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza, citing credible reports that his life is at grave risk due to severe abuse and deteriorating health while in ‘Israeli’ custody.

Dr. Abu Safiya was detained by ‘Israeli’ forces on 27 December 2024 during a raid on Kamal Adwan Hospital, which was then one of the last functioning medical facilities in northern Gaza.

He has been held for over 18 months without formal charges or trial under ‘Israel’s’ Unlawful Combatants Law.

“In light of ongoing reports of continued severe torture and the latest reports suggesting that his injuries could lead to imminent death, Israel must ensure that Dr. Abu Safiya has access to immediate and adequate medical care,” stated UN experts, including Special Rapporteurs on health, Palestinian territories, and other mandates.

The experts further declared: “Israel has turned the practice of medicine into a crime – and made health and care workers targets of harassment, intimidation, arrests, torture and death. This must stop.”

They said that his detention reflects a broader pattern targeting Palestinian health workers and the Gaza health care system.

Dr. Abu Safiya’s lawyer, Nasser Odeh, described a recent visit in which the physician was barely recognizable due to injuries and significant weight loss.

According to “Physicians for Human Rights Israel,” Dr. Abu Safiya told his attorney, “This is the last time you’ll see me,” amid fears for his survival.

The UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory echoed these concerns, stating: “The Commission calls for the immediate, unconditional and safe release of Dr. Abu Safiya and of all medical personnel held in arbitrary detention by Israel. It also urges the Israeli authorities to provide immediate independent medical care for Dr. Abu Safiya.”

The Commission highlighted credible reports of “continued and severe abuse.”

‘Israeli’ authorities have rejected the allegations as unfounded.

The “Israel Prison Service” has denied claims of mistreatment, and “Israel’s Supreme Court”has extended Dr. Abu Safiya’s detention until at least October 2026 following closed hearings.

He is one of multiple Palestinian doctors from Gaza currently held without charge.

Rights organizations, including Amnesty International, continue to advocate for his release, describing the detention as arbitrary and warning that prolonged ill-treatment places his life in imminent danger.

Dr. Abu Safiya, prior to his arrest, was a leading voice highlighting the collapse of Gaza’s healthcare system.