Overview
- The Israeli Supreme Court on June 16, 2026 rejected an appeal by Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya and ordered him to remain detained in solitary confinement at Nafha Prison without any criminal charges.
- Abu Safiya has been held since December 27, 2024 under the Unlawful Combatants Law, a 2002 statute that allows detention without formal indictment and limits some legal protections.
- Court officials said the decision rested on confidential materials that were not disclosed to Abu Safiya or his lawyers, a practice rights groups say undermines the defense and standard evidentiary review.
- His lawyers and rights groups report severe weight loss, shackling, beatings and denial of needed medical care while in custody, allegations the Israeli prison service rejects.
- The case fuels wider concern because Abu Safiya is one of at least 14 Gaza medical professionals held without charge and has prompted calls from rights groups and some media for independent monitoring by the ICRC, WHO and UN.