Israel has declared that the detention of Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, director of Gaza's Kamal Adwan Hospital, is lawful, dismissing United Nations allegations that he faces a life-threatening condition. The Israeli diplomatic mission in Geneva stated on Friday that Abu Safiya is held based on concrete intelligence linking him to Hamas as a colonel.
Detention Since December 2024
Dr. Abu Safiya was seized on December 27, 2024, when Israeli forces assaulted Kamal Adwan Hospital in Beit Lahia, the only functioning hospital in northern Gaza at the time. The Israeli military labeled the facility a Hamas terrorist center and arrested dozens of medical staff, including Abu Safiya. The paediatrician had gained prominence by documenting dire conditions under siege.
UN Experts Raise Alarm
On Tuesday, four independent UN rights experts issued a statement asserting that Abu Safiya's ongoing arbitrary detention without charges or trial reflects Israel's systematic targeting of Palestinian health workers. The UN's independent Commission of Inquiry on the occupied Palestinian territories expressed grave concern on Wednesday over credible reports of severe abuse during his detention, calling for his immediate, unconditional, and safe release, and urging independent medical care.
The Commission of Inquiry, which previously accused Israel of genocide in Gaza, maintains that Abu Safiya's reported mistreatment fits a broader pattern of violations.
Israel's Rebuttal
Israel's mission rejected claims of arbitrary detention, accusing Abu Safiya of managing Kamal Adwan Hospital as one of Hamas's terror hubs and diverting humanitarian resources for terrorist purposes. The statement emphasized that his detention is subject to regular administrative review and judicial oversight, including a Supreme Court review last month.
Regarding his health, Israel said Abu Safiya was examined upon arrival at Nitzan Detention Center on June 24, 2026, and several times thereafter, with no indications of a life-threatening condition. He remains under continuous medical supervision and receives treatment per medical personnel's professional determination.
