Israel Defends Detention of Palestinian Doctor Hussam Abu Safiya as International Calls for Release Grow

Israel has defended the continued detention of Palestinian pediatrician Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, director of Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza, rejecting reports that his health has seriously deteriorated while international pressure for his release continues to grow.

Israeli authorities said Dr. Abu Safiya is being held lawfully based on intelligence information and denied claims that he is suffering from a life-threatening medical condition in detention.

Dr. Abu Safiya became one of the most prominent voices documenting the collapse of Gaza's healthcare system throughout 2024. As director of Kamal Adwan Hospital in Beit Lahia, he repeatedly appealed to the international community while the hospital struggled under Israeli military operations, shortages of medicine, fuel, and medical supplies.

Israeli forces arrested him on December 27, 2024, during a raid on Kamal Adwan Hospital, which was the last functioning hospital in northern Gaza at the time. Dozens of healthcare workers were also detained. Israel later designated Dr. Abu Safiya as an "unlawful combatant," while Palestinian prisoner organizations reported that he was transferred to solitary confinement in June 2026.

The Israeli statement came after United Nations experts and the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry called for his immediate and unconditional release. Four independent UN experts said his continued detention without formal charges or trial reflects what they described as the systematic targeting of Palestinian healthcare workers.

The commission also expressed deep concern over reports alleging that Dr. Abu Safiya has been subjected to severe mistreatment in Israeli detention and urged his safe and immediate release.

Israel rejected those allegations, stating that his detention is subject to judicial oversight and periodic administrative review. Authorities also said he has undergone repeated medical examinations since being transferred to Nitzan Prison in June 2026 and continues to receive medical care.

According to Palestinian prisoner organizations, nearly 9,400 Palestinians are currently held in Israeli prisons, including around 350 children and 99 women. More than 3,200 are reportedly being held under administrative detention without formal charges or trial. Human rights organizations continue to raise concerns over allegations of torture, medical neglect, starvation, and prolonged solitary confinement affecting Palestinian detainees.