Fresh Concerns Raised Over Gaza Doctor Held by Israel Without Charge

Medical experts are sounding the alarm regarding the health of Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, the director of Kamal Adwan hospital in northern Gaza, who has been held in an Israeli prison for nearly 23 months without formal charges. Amidst a fresh attack on Gaza and the broader regional instability, the plight of medical professionals caught in the conflict remains a pressing concern. Prof. Amit Tirosh, an independent specialist who reviewed the doctor’s medical records, has warned that the physician’s life is at risk due to inadequate care and deteriorating physical conditions.

Dr. Abu Safiya was detained while at work on 27 December 2024 and has since been held in solitary confinement at the Rakefet underground facility. Classified as an “unlawful combatant,” he is one of more than 375 medical workers held under a designation that allows for indefinite detention without trial. Nearly 700 days after his arrest, legal efforts to secure his release or even an independent medical examination have been repeatedly rejected by Israeli courts.

The life of Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya is at risk due to severe medical neglect in prison.

Medical Findings and Allegations

Prof. Tirosh’s review of the doctor’s records revealed a significant weight loss, with the physician dropping from 90kg in January 2025 to 76kg by May. The records also documented bruising, rib pain, and dizziness, which the doctor attributed to beatings by prison guards. Despite these findings, a district court recently denied a petition for an independent medical evaluation. The court cited allegations from Israeli authorities that the doctor had exaggerated his health issues and maintained prohibited international contacts.

In response to these concerns, a spokesperson for the Israeli Prison Service stated that the allegations are part of a campaign to discredit the state, asserting that the facility operates under judicial oversight. However, Prof. Tirosh remains critical of the medical management within the prison, noting that urgent issues such as dropping haemoglobin levels and persistent chest pain remain unaddressed. He expressed deep ethical concerns regarding the conduct of the medical staff within the prison system.

Why it matters

The continued detention of Dr. Abu Safiya highlights the precarious state of Gaza’s healthcare system, which has lost numerous specialists to imprisonment. This situation affects the humanitarian landscape of the region, as the loss of experienced medical leadership hinders the ability to provide essential care to civilians in conflict zones.

For international observers, including those in India and South Asia, this case underscores the ongoing debate regarding the treatment of medical personnel in war zones and the legal standards for indefinite detention. The refusal to allow independent medical oversight continues to draw criticism from human rights organizations.