The United Nations (UN) experts have urged Israel to release Dr. Hussam Abu Safia, highlighting concerns over his severe torture and mistreatment while in detention. Dr. Abu Safia, a physician previously serving as the director of Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza, has been in Israeli custody since December 2024. UN special rapporteurs Tlaleng Mofokeng and Ben Saul disclosed that Dr. Abu Safia’s health status remains critical, emphasizing that he has been routinely denied necessary medical care and treatment, which has jeopardized his life and well-being.

Background on Dr. Hussam Abu Safia’s Detention

Dr. Abu Safia was apprehended by Israeli forces during ongoing military operations in Gaza, which have been characterized as an extensive conflict affecting the region. He was taken into custody after declining to leave his hospital, the last operational medical facility in northern Gaza, during the hostilities. Like numerous other individuals from the area, Dr. Abu Safia has been held without formal charges, resulting in widespread denunciation from various humanitarian organizations and human rights advocates.

International Reactions and Allegations

The UN experts condemned the circumstances surrounding Dr. Abu Safia’s detention, asserting that his case illustrates a more significant pattern of targeting health professionals in Gaza by Israeli military operations. Organizations such as Amnesty International have characterized his arrest as an effect of systematic strategies aimed at degrading the health system in Gaza, which could lead to the physical devastation of the Palestinian population. The UN officials reiterated that Dr. Abu Safia’s rights have been violated, particularly his right to live free from torture and to access healthcare services.

Global Call to Action

In their statement, the UN experts have called on the international community, specifically those nations with influence over Israel, to intervene on behalf of Dr. Abu Safia. Their plea included demands for the release of Dr. Abu Safia, along with all healthcare workers detained under similar circumstances, and access for them to suitable medical treatment. The experts emphasized that appropriate measures must be taken to ensure accountability and justice in this matter.

Impact of the Conflict on Gaza’s Healthcare System

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Gaza’s healthcare sector has faced significant devastation due to ongoing military actions, with over 930 attacks recorded against medical facilities since October 2023. The organization reported that all 36 hospitals in the region have sustained damage, with only half currently functioning, albeit at reduced capacity. Additionally, the conflict has claimed the lives of many Palestinian healthcare workers, with humanitarian organization Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP) confirming that at least 1,722 medical personnel were killed between October 2023 and October 2025, averaging more than two deaths daily.

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