UN inquiry urges release of Gaza doctor held by Israel since December 2024

A United Nations inquiry has urgently called for the immediate release of Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, a prominent Palestinian doctor and director of Kamal Adwan Hospital in Gaza, who has been detained by the Israeli military since December 2024. The UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory expressed serious concern over reports of abuse against the doctor, stating that his life is in imminent danger.

Rights groups and Dr. Abu Safiya’s lawyer have corroborated these concerns, highlighting that he remains in custody without charge. According to Physicians for Human Rights Israel, the alleged mistreatment by Israeli Prison Service guards raises grave concerns about violations of international law, potentially amounting to international crimes. The UN inquiry specifically noted that Dr. Abu Safiya’s deteriorating medical condition is a direct consequence of these alleged actions.

An spokesperson for the Israel Prison Service (IPS) strongly refuted the allegations, describing them as "false, outrageous, and entirely without factual basis." While the spokesperson did not name Dr. Abu Safiya, the IPS has previously denied claims of mistreatment concerning him and other doctors in detention. The doctor's lawyer recently alleged that Abu Safiya faces daily abuse and that his health is at serious risk.

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The allegations and characterisations described are false, outrageous, and entirely without factual basis.

During a Supreme Court hearing in Jerusalem via video link in June, Dr. Abu Safiya appeared noticeably thinner, fueling concerns about his well-being. The UN inquiry stated that the reported conduct towards Dr. Abu Safiya mirrors a broader pattern of violations previously identified in its reports. In September 2025, the inquiry accused Israeli authorities of committing genocide by targeting Gaza's healthcare system and medical professionals since October 2023, an accusation Israel has vehemently denied, calling it scandalous and accusing the inquiry of having a political agenda.

This situation is compounded by a separate UN rights body's recent call for Dr. Abu Safiya's immediate release, deeming his detention arbitrary and a violation of international human rights conventions. Israel has consistently declined to cooperate with the UN inquiry.

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The actions of the Israeli Prison Service guards towards Palestinian detainees raise grave concerns of violations of international law that likely amount to international crimes. “Dr Abu Safiya’s medical condition is the direct result of these actions,”