Full Breakdown
Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya Held in Solitary Confinement Without Charge
6/9/2026, 11:37:38 PM
Detention and Transfer to Solitary Confinement
Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, 53, director of Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza, was seized by Israeli forces on 27 December 2024. He was moved from Ketziot prison to a solitary cell in the Ramon (Ganot) complex, then to Nafha Prison. Lawyer Nasser Odeh filed an appeal seeking his release. He is an “unlawful combatant” with no charge. UN Mandela Rules deem solitary confinement torture.
Background and Context
Abu Safiya kept Kamal Adwan Hospital operating during a siege after his son Ibrahim was killed by a drone strike at the entrance in October 2024. Israeli authorities have labeled him and 375 other medical workers as unlawful combatants, allowing indefinite detention without trial. Fourteen Gaza doctors, including him, remain held without indictment.
Timeline of Key Events
- 27 Dec 2024: Arrest at Kamal Adwan Hospital; Oct 2024: Son Ibrahim killed by drone strike.
- 26 May 2026: Nasser Odeh visits; handcuffs, food, water deprivation.
- 3 Jun 2026: Transfer to solitary confinement at Nafha Prison.
- 10 Jun 2026: Israeli High Court hearing on appeal.
Official Statements and International Responses
Israel’s Prison Service said rules block disclosure of detainee status and denied conditions reflect its practice. PHRI filed a petition with the Israeli High Court for release. UN experts called for his release. Israel holds ~9,500 detainees. Agnes Callamard demanded his release, calling the situation a breach of international law.
Criticism and Opposition
UN experts have called for Abu Safiya’s release and medical examination, calling his detention a breach of law. Rights groups say designating medical staff as unlawful combatants and placing them in solitary confinement violates the Geneva Conventions.
On-the-Ground Accounts
Elyas Abu Safiya said his father suffers pain from shrapnel in the left thigh, skin disease from lack of clothing changes, and confinement in a metre-square cell. Lawyer Nasser Odeh described visit as brief, behind a glass barrier with guards, and noted doctor’s lack of medicines, food and water.
Conflicting Reports on Prison Location
PHRI and lawyer refer to a transfer from Ketziot to Ramon (Ganot) complex, while later reports name Nafha Prison and mention a move to Negev Prison. Facility remains unclear.
Verbatim Quotes
- “What we know [about his time in detention] shows severe suffering,” — Elyas Abu Safiya, physician, son
- “During the first months of his detention, he was not allowed to change his clothes, and he developed skin diseases without receiving proper treatment.” — Elyas Abu Safiya
- “The Israeli officials replied saying the doctor is being held under the unlawful combatants law and that, under this law, all legal proceedings concerning the detainee are subject to a gag order and are held behind closed doors,” — Nasser Odeh, lawyer
- “Abu Safiya is not receiving the basic medicines he needs,” — Nasser Odeh, lawyer
What's Next
The High Court will consider the appeal on 10 June 2026, after which a decision on Abu Safiya’s detention is expected.
