Overview
- Lawyers and rights groups report that Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya was moved to solitary confinement at Nafha Prison in early June after earlier detention in Negev, and that he remains designated an "unlawful combatant" without a formal indictment.
- His lawyer describes shackling during visits, regular beatings, deprivation of food and water, and restricted meetings that limit the detainee’s ability to speak freely about his treatment.
- Physicians for Human Rights Israel has documented serious health problems including severe scabies, heart issues and significant weight loss and says he is not receiving basic medicines.
- An appeal challenging his continued detention under Israel’s unlawful combatant legislation has been filed and the Israeli High Court is due to hear the request on 10 June.
- Campaigns by Amnesty International and other organizations frame Abu Safiya’s case as part of broader allegations that many Gaza medical workers and thousands of Palestinian detainees face systematic mistreatment, which could sharpen international scrutiny if the court does not secure medical access or release.