Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya Detained

Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, director of Kamal Adwan Hospital in Gaza, was seized by Israeli forces on 27 December 2024 while walking toward an IDF tank. He has been held for 500 days without charge, transferred among prisons, kept in solitary confinement, and is among at least 15 Palestinian healthcare workers detained.

'When am I going home?' Prominent Palestinian doctor detained in Israel for nearly 16 months without chargesGazan Doctor Abu Safiya to Remain Detained in an Israeli Prison

The Israel-Hamas war began after Hamas’s Oct 7 2023 attack and Israel’s response. Kamal Adwan Hospital, the only pediatric facility in northern Gaza, faced sieges; the WHO listed it as the sole children’s hospital in the area by March 2024.

'When am I going home?' Prominent Palestinian doctor detained in Israel for nearly 16 months without charges

Abu Safiya was arrested on 27 December 2024 at Kamal Adwan. Israeli officials denied his capture, confirmed detention at Sde Teiman and transfer to Ofer Prison. In February 2026 he was moved to Nafha, then Ktzi’ot and Ramon prisons. On 10 June 2026 he appeared via video link before the Supreme Court, which rejected his appeal.

'When am I going home?' Prominent Palestinian doctor detained in Israel for nearly 16 months without charges

PHRI reports Abu Safiya lost 20 kg (44 lb), a third of his weight, and was denied medication for two months. He also suffered shrapnel injuries from a November 2024 quadcopter strike, scabies, confiscated eyeglasses, and alleged guard beatings.

'When am I going home?' Prominent Palestinian doctor detained in Israel for nearly 16 months without charges

The IDF says Abu Safiya was apprehended for suspected terrorist activity and alleged Hamas rank. The Israel Prison Service rejects abuse claims, stating detainees receive medical care in accordance with law.

'When am I going home?' Prominent Palestinian doctor detained in Israel for nearly 16 months without chargesGazan Doctor Abu Safiya to Remain Detained in an Israeli Prison

Physicians for Human Rights Israel described the Supreme Court’s denial as a moral and legal failure and urged release. DAWN’s Omar Shakir says the case shows broader challenges for Palestinian health workers, noting a chilling effect on staff.

'When am I going home?' Prominent Palestinian doctor detained in Israel for nearly 16 months without charges

Elyas Abu Safiya described his father as a “citizen journalist” who used media to highlight the hospital’s plight. He said brother Ibrahim was killed in an Israeli drone strike and that prison life feels “hell.”

'When am I going home?' Prominent Palestinian doctor detained in Israel for nearly 16 months without charges

Israeli authorities have not disclosed formal charges, and the Israel Prison Service provides no details on Abu Safiya’s location or health status, leaving key facts unverified.

'When am I going home?' Prominent Palestinian doctor detained in Israel for nearly 16 months without charges

• “I am a pediatrician, providing medical care to the sick, injured and vulnerable in the sector. My arrest is unjust and arbitrary.” — Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya

'When am I going home?' Prominent Palestinian doctor detained in Israel for nearly 16 months without charges

• “His case, I think, represents the challenges that Palestinian healthcare workers face.” — Omar Shakir, executive director, DAWN

'When am I going home?' Prominent Palestinian doctor detained in Israel for nearly 16 months without charges

• “The rejection of Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya’s appeal and his continued detention without charge represent a profound moral and legal failure.” — Physicians for Human Rights Israel

Gazan Doctor Abu Safiya to Remain Detained in an Israeli Prison'When am I going home?' Prominent Palestinian doctor detained in Israel for nearly 16 months without charges

• “All prisoners and detainees are held in accordance with the law and receive medical care based on professional medical judgment and in accordance with Ministry of Health guidelines.” — Israel Prison Service spokesperson

'When am I going home?' Prominent Palestinian doctor detained in Israel for nearly 16 months without charges

With the Supreme Court appeal denied, Abu Safiya remains detained. International NGOs continue to press for his release, and no new hearing date has been announced.

Gazan Doctor Abu Safiya to Remain Detained in an Israeli Prison