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Hussam Abu Safiya, a prominent Palestinian doctor captured by the Israeli military in Gaza in late 2024 and accused of Hamas affiliation, appeared via video link at a High Court of Justice hearing in Jerusalem. He has been held in detention without charge for over 500 days, according to Physicians for Human Rights Israel (PHRI).

During the hearing, Abu Safiya appeared to have lost significant weight. His brother, Muafaq, previously stated that Abu Safiya had lost 40 kg (88 lb.) and suffered four fractured ribs and other ailments in prison. An Israeli rights group has also claimed that Abu Safiya is among Gazan doctors held by Israel who have been denied adequate food, though the Israel Prison Service denies these allegations.

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His client was handcuffed and shackled throughout the proceedings and said he was being held in solitary confinement.

Abu Safiya's lawyer, Nasser Odeh, is challenging his detention. Odeh told reporters after the hearing that his client was handcuffed and shackled throughout the proceedings and is being held in solitary confinement. Odeh also claimed that Abu Safiya is not receiving necessary medical treatment for severe neck and back pain, allegedly caused by an assault during detention, nor medication for a chronic illness. His eyeglasses were confiscated, leading to vision problems, and his hands show signs of skin disease, which Odeh stated is widespread among Palestinian prisoners.

The IDF captured Abu Safiya from the Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza. While accused of being a Hamas member, Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry and Hamas itself have denied the allegations. The Supreme Court is expected to announce its decision on the appeal later on Wednesday.

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Abu Safiya was not receiving medical treatment, including for what he described as severe neck and back pain caused by an assault during detention, or medications for what he said was needed to treat a chronic illness.