Dr. Hussam Abu Safia, director of Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza, appeared by video link before the Israeli Supreme Court in Jerusalem on June 10, 2026, demanding his immediate release from detention [1, 2]. Abu Safia has been held by Israel since December 27, 2024, when the Israeli army arrested him during a raid on the hospital [1, 2].
Abu Safia, a pediatrician who provides medical care to the wounded and vulnerable in Gaza, said, "My detention is unjust and arbitrary, and I demand my immediate release." He stressed that his work was carried out in accordance with international law and humanitarian standards [1, 2].
His family and lawyer report that Abu Safia shows visible signs of torture and physical deterioration, including weight loss, skin disease, and chronic pain. His son, Ilyas Abu Safia, said, "We did not only see the face of a father we have missed for many long months, we saw the marks of torture, pain and exhaustion clearly etched on his face" [1].
Abu Safia is held in solitary confinement at Nafha Prison, where he is shackled during court appearances and denied necessary medical treatment and medications [1, 2]. Israeli authorities transferred him from Negev Prison to Nafha Prison on June 3, 2026, according to his lawyer [2].
He has been held without charge for over 500 days, according to Physicians for Human Rights Israel [1]. The Israeli Supreme Court postponed a ruling on whether his detention will continue, with a decision expected within hours or days after his June 10 court appearance [2].
