GENEVA: A United Nations inquiry commission has called on Israel to immediately and unconditionally release Palestinian doctor Dr Hussam Abu Safia, who has been held without charge for more than 18 months, citing credible reports of severe abuse in detention.
The UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory said the 52-year-old director of Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza has allegedly faced “continued and severe abuse” while in Israeli custody.
What Concerns Have Been Raised About His Health?
Dr Abu Safia’s lawyer, Nasser Odeh, said his client’s health is in grave danger due to alleged daily abuse during detention.
According to the rights group Physicians for Human Rights Israel, the doctor appeared so severely injured during a recent legal visit that his lawyer initially struggled to recognise him.
Last month, footage shown during an Israeli court hearing via videolink also indicated that Dr Abu Safia had lost significant weight while in custody.
What Has the UN Inquiry Commission Said?
The commission called for Dr Abu Safia’s immediate, unconditional and safe release, along with all Palestinian medical personnel detained by Israel without charge.
It also urged Israeli authorities to provide him with immediate independent medical treatment.
The commission said the reported treatment of Palestinian detainees raises serious concerns over possible violations of international law that could amount to international crimes.
Why Is Dr Abu Safia Being Held?
Israeli authorities detained Dr Abu Safia in December 2024 during operations at Kamal Adwan Hospital, along with other medical staff and patients.
He has been designated an “unlawful combatant”, a legal classification used by Israel that allows for prolonged detention without formal charges or trial.
According to the UN, Dr Abu Safia is among 14 Palestinian doctors from Gaza currently being held by Israel without charge.
How Has Israel Responded?
An Israel Prison Service (IPS) spokesperson rejected the UN commission’s allegations, describing them as “false, outrageous, and entirely without factual basis.”
The spokesperson did not comment specifically on Dr Abu Safia but reiterated Israel’s previous denial of allegations that Palestinian detainees, including medical personnel, have been subjected to mistreatment.
What Previous Findings Have UN Bodies Made?
The latest appeal follows a series of UN findings regarding the treatment of Palestinian medical workers.
In September 2025, the UN inquiry commission accused Israeli authorities of targeting Gaza’s healthcare system and medical personnel.
Earlier this week, the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention also ruled that Dr Abu Safia’s detention was arbitrary and called for his immediate release, stating that it violated provisions of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
Before his detention, Dr Abu Safia had become one of Gaza’s most prominent medical voices, continuing his work despite losing one of his sons in an Israeli drone strike.