Israel's top court denies release of prominent Gaza doctor held without charge

Prominent Gaza doctor Hussam Abu Safiya remains detained in Israel without charge, following a Supreme Court decision to reject his appeal for release. The 52-year-old pediatrician, director of the Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza, has been held since December 2024 by the Israeli military.

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profound moral and legal failure

Israel's Supreme Court based its ruling on "confidential materials" that were not disclosed to Dr. Abu Safiya or his legal counsel. He is being held under the country's "Unlawful Combatants Law," a measure that allows for indefinite detention based on allegations of belonging to terrorist organizations or participating in hostile actions.

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shameful

The ongoing detainment has drawn sharp criticism from human rights campaigners and medical professionals. Irish surgeon Dr. Morgan McGonagle described the situation as "shameful" and "dehumanizing." Dr. Abu Safiya is among at least 14 doctors and dozens of other medical staff from Gaza detained in Israel for over a year without formal charges.

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dehumanising

Israel's military stated that Dr. Abu Safiya was "apprehended for suspected involvement in terrorist activities, and for holding a rank in the Hamas terror organisation." However, Physicians for Human Rights Israel and other groups question these claims, asserting that no credible evidence has been presented. Naji Abbas, director of the Prisoners and Detainees Department at PHRI, called the accusations "propaganda," arguing that charges would have been filed if evidence existed.

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apprehended for suspected involvement in terrorist activities, and for holding a rank in the Hamas terror organisation