Israel urged to release Gaza doctor accused of severe torture allegations

UN Special Rapporteurs Urge Israel to Release Detained Palestinian Physician

The United Nations has issued a statement warning that Dr. Hussam Abu Safia, a Palestinian physician from Gaza, has been subjected to “severe torture” and other abuses in Israeli detention. The UN special rapporteurs, Tlaleng Mofokeng and Ben Saul, have reported that Abu Safia’s health condition remains dire due to his systematic denial of medical treatment.

Abu Safia was detained by Israeli forces in December 2024 while refusing to leave the Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza. The hospital, which was the last functioning health facility in the area, was attacked by Israel amid its genocidal war against Palestinians in the coastal enclave. Abu Safia has been held without charge or trial, prompting widespread condemnation.

According to reports, Abu Safia’s detention is part of a broader pattern of targeting Palestinian healthcare workers and the decimation of Gaza’s healthcare system. The World Health Organization (WHO) has recorded over 930 attacks on the sector since October 2023, resulting in damage to all 36 hospitals in the Strip. Only half of the remaining hospitals are partially functional.

The UN experts have urged Israel to release Abu Safia and other detained healthcare workers, ensuring they have access to appropriate medical care. They have also called for action from the international community, including countries with influence on Israel, to prevent further abuses and provide recourse and justice.

Source: Al Jazeera