GENEVA, Switzerland — United Nations experts have called on Israel to immediately release a Palestinian doctor from Gaza who has been held without charge for more than a year, citing allegations of abuse in detention.
The experts said in a statement this week that Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, a senior physician and administrator, had been subjected to “arbitrary deprivation of liberty” and violations of his rights, including protection from torture.
“Dr. Abu Safiya, a highly respected Palestinian medical administrator and paediatrician, has suffered an arbitrary deprivation of liberty” and “violation of his human rights, including the right of every human being to be free from torture,” the experts said.
Allegations of Mistreatment
The call was issued by U.N. special rapporteurs Tlaleng Mofokeng and Ben Saul, who said they had received reports that Abu Safiya was enduring “cruel and degrading treatment” while in custody and that his health condition was “dire.”
They said his continued detention appeared to be “flagrantly arbitrary” and accused Israel of breaching the Mandela Rules, which set international standards for the treatment of prisoners, including access to medical care.
Abu Safiya served as head of Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza and was known for his work during the conflict in the territory.
Israeli Response
The Israel Prison Service said it operates in accordance with Israeli law and under court supervision.
In a statement, it said it was not “familiar with the specific allegations described,” and declined to comment on the detention status or personal details of individuals, citing privacy and security considerations.
The Israeli government and military did not immediately respond to requests for comment, including whether formal charges have been filed.
Background to Detention
Abu Safiya was detained in December 2024 after footage showed him walking toward Israeli forces in northern Gaza.
Israeli authorities initially denied holding him before later alleging, without providing evidence, that he had been involved in “terrorist activities” and held “a rank” in Hamas.
His family and legal representatives have rejected those claims, maintaining that he was carrying out medical and administrative duties at the hospital.
Before his detention, Abu Safiya worked with MedGlobal, a Chicago-based organisation that supports healthcare workers in Gaza.
Wider Context
The case has drawn attention from human rights groups, which have raised concerns about the treatment of Palestinian detainees and the impact of the conflict on Gaza’s healthcare system.
According to data cited by advocacy organisations, thousands of Palestinians are currently held in Israeli custody, including many under administrative detention, a practice that allows individuals to be held without formal charges or trial.
The U.N. experts said they had been in contact with Israeli authorities regarding the case and reiterated their call for Abu Safiya’s immediate release.
