DistantNews
Support us
🇮🇱 Israel /Crime & Justice

State asks High Court to dismiss petition seeking release of detained Gaza doctors

From Jerusalem Post · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources In the courts
  • Israel's state has asked the High Court of Justice to dismiss a petition seeking the release of 14 detained Gazan doctors.
  • The state argues that detention orders were issued under the Unlawful Combatants Law based on classified security intelligence.
  • Physicians for Human Rights Israel (PHRI) contends the doctors are essential medical professionals and their detention is unlawful.

The Israeli state has formally requested the High Court of Justice to dismiss a petition demanding the release of 14 detained doctors from Gaza. The state asserts that detention orders for these individuals were issued under the Unlawful Combatants Law, following reviews of individualized, classified security intelligence.

their cases had been individually reviewed and that their release could harm state security.

— The stateThe state's argument to the High Court of Justice for dismissing the petition concerning detained Gazan doctors.

Physicians for Human Rights Israel (PHRI) filed the petition, arguing that the detained doctors are vital medical professionals needed in Gaza and that their continued detention is unlawful. One prominent case is that of Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, a pediatrician and hospital director, who has been held by Israel since December 2024. His case has garnered international attention, including a recent demand for his release from the United Nations.

the detainees are medical professionals needed in Gaza and that their continued detention is unlawful.

— Physicians for Human Rights Israel (PHRI)PHRI's argument in their petition seeking the release of 14 Palestinian doctors from Gaza.

The state rejected PHRI's claims, stating that periodic reviews have consistently found legal grounds for the doctors' continued detention. According to the state, detention orders are canceled if reviews reveal no longer existing legal grounds or other justifying reasons for continued detainment. The state also noted that there have been instances where such reviews led to the cancellation of detention orders and the release of detainees.

legal grounds for the doctors’ continued detention remained in place and that there were no “special reasons” justifying their release.

— The stateThe state's response to the High Court regarding updated reviews of the detained doctors' cases.

Responding to PHRI's recent allegations that Dr. Abu Safiya might be in life-threatening danger due to alleged violence during detention, the state addressed the claims. The state confirmed that Dr. Abu Safiya's lawyer submitted an affidavit alleging life-threatening danger, which was transferred for review along with PHRI's response to the state's request for an extension. Following a review, the state reported finding no indications to support these claims. The state also stated that Dr. Abu Safiya was examined by medical staff upon arrival at the Nitzan Detention Center and subsequently as needed, with no indication of danger to his life found at any stage.

At no stage was there any indication of danger to life.

— The stateThe state's assessment following a review of allegations regarding Dr. Abu Safiya's well-being in detention.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Jerusalem Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog