Israel’s highest court is deliberating whether to continue holding a Palestinian medical professional who was captured by Israeli troops more than a year ago in Gaza and participated in a video hearing Wednesday to contest his confinement.
As of Thursday evening, the Supreme Court had not announced its ruling, according to Naji Abbas, who oversees prisoner affairs at Physicians for Human Rights — Israel, a nonprofit organization.
Hussam Abu Safiya, who directed operations at the Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza, emerged as a symbol of medical personnel working under extreme conditions during the Israel-Hamas conflict. He managed the medical center during an 85-day military blockade, producing video appeals asking for assistance. According to PHRI, fourteen medical professionals from Gaza remain in Israeli custody.
Video footage from his Wednesday court appearance showed Abu Safiya, age 53, restrained in handcuffs while wearing white detention clothing. His appearance was noticeably thin and pale, with what appeared to be whip-like injuries visible on both arms.
PHRI reports he was recently moved to isolation, a decision his son, Elias Abu Safiya, claimed in a social media video occurred soon after filing his legal challenge. Israeli authorities have not filed criminal charges against Abu Safiya.
Israel’s Justice Ministry had not provided comment by Thursday when contacted. The Israeli Prison Service rejected allegations of prisoner mistreatment. In their response, officials stated that all detainees receive appropriate medical attention and any misconduct accusations submitted through proper procedures undergo review.
Israeli military officials stated Abu Safiya is under investigation for allegedly collaborating with or supporting Hamas, the organization controlling Gaza. Healthcare workers and international relief organizations who have worked alongside Abu Safiya have rejected these accusations.
Following Wednesday’s proceedings, Abu Safiya’s legal representative, Nasser Odeh, shared a statement from his client.
“I am a pediatrician who provides medical care to patients, the wounded, and the most vulnerable in the Strip,” Odeh said, conveying the doctor’s message. “I carried out my work in accordance with international law and humanitarian standards. My detention is unjust and arbitrary.”
The conflict between Israel and Hamas started on Oct. 7, 2023, following an assault by the Gaza-based organization on southern Israel that resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and 251 hostages taken. The subsequent Israeli military campaign in Gaza has resulted in nearly 73,000 fatalities, based on figures from the territory’s Health Ministry, which does not separate civilian and military casualties. The ministry employs healthcare professionals, and the United Nations along with other independent observers consider its statistics the most credible casualty data available.
