Palestinian doctor Hussam Abu Safiya in critical condition after 18 months detention

The condition of Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, a prominent Palestinian pediatrician and director of Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza, has deteriorated severely during 18 months of detention by Israel without charges, according to his lawyer and human rights groups Source: AP News. His lawyer, Nasser Odeh, reported that Abu Safiya said, 'Me trajeron para matarme' ('They brought me here to kill me') during a visit on July 2, 2026, describing him as weak, with difficulty breathing, and bearing recent injuries on his head, eyes, ears, and neck Source: CNN en Español, EFE via Infobae.

Allegations and denial

• Amnesty International and Physicians for Human Rights Israel have called for his immediate release, citing torture and prolonged isolation Source: Infobae (AI), AP News. Odeh stated that Abu Safiya has been subjected to physical and psychological abuse, and was kept in isolation Source: AP News.
• The Israel Prison Service dismissed the allegations as "false and completely lacking factual basis," asserting that all detainees are treated according to law and receive medical care Source: AP News. The military claims Abu Safiya is being investigated for suspected ties to Hamas, a charge denied by colleagues and aid organizations Source: AP News.

International concern

Human rights groups warn that Abu Safiya's life is in imminent danger, with his son Elias urging international intervention: 'Time is running out' Source: Infobae (AI). The doctor was arrested in December 2024 after the Israeli siege of Kamal Adwan Hospital, and has not been formally charged Source: AP News.