Lawyer says detained Gaza doctor severely beaten, life in danger

The lawyer for Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, a prominent Palestinian pediatrician detained by Israel for over 18 months, says his client's life is in imminent danger after being severely beaten in an Israeli prison. The doctor, who was director of Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza, has been held without charge since December 2024.

Allegations of Abuse

Lawyer Nasser Odeh visited Abu Safiya on July 2 at the Rakefet interrogation facility. He said the doctor was nearly unrecognisable, with bruises covering his face, neck, and ears, and was so weak he struggled to sit upright Source: BBC. Odeh quoted Abu Safiya as saying, "I'm living in hell... I think someone has decided to kill me" Source: BBC. The doctor reported that more than five guards attacked him with hands, batons, and hammers after a Supreme Court appeal Source: BBC.

• Abu Safiya was transferred to solitary confinement in late May, followed by a move to Rakefet on June 24 Source: Guardian.
• He appeared gaunt with lash-like marks on his arms during a video hearing on June 10 Source: AP.

International and Rights Group Response

The UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention has called for his immediate release, stating his detention may be part of a widespread practice of arbitrary detention in Israel Source: Al Jazeera. Physicians for Human Rights Israel (PHRI) warned of a "tangible danger to his life" and petitioned for his transfer Source: Guardian.

Israel's Denial

The Israel Prison Service has rejected the allegations as "false and entirely without factual basis," insisting all detainees are treated lawfully and receive medical care Source: AP. The Israeli military claims Abu Safiya is under investigation for suspected links to Hamas, but no charges have been filed Source: AP.