Palestinian doctor Abu Safiya's health in 'alarming' condition, Israeli rights group warns
Palestinian doctor Abu Safiya's health in 'alarming' condition, Israeli rights group warns
Israel has continued to deny Palestinian doctor Hussam Abu Safiya legal representation and medical treatment during his detention, an Israeli rights group said, warning of his "alarming" health condition.
The director of Gaza's Kamal Adwan Hospital suffers from serious ailments, including severe scabies and heart problems, according to Physicians for Human Rights Israel (PHRI).
"Dr Abu Safiya requested to be examined by a doctor because of scabies and heart problems, but his request was ignored," PHRI said, adding that he has to take regular medication for his high blood pressure.
On Wednesday, the Commission of Detainees and Ex-Detainees Affairs, a Palestinian rights group, said the Israeli Prison Service continues "its policy of medical neglect against prisoners", denying detainees access to necessary medications for chronic illnesses and other health issues.
Since his arrest in late December 2024, the Palestinian doctor has lost around 25kg, PHRI noted during its latest visit to Abu Safiya on Wednesday.
Detainees receive very little food, with many losing a significant amount of weight during their imprisonment.
Detainees also remain incarcerated in the same clothes for months. In Abu Safiya’s case, he had not received a new set of garments since his arrest until PHRI visited him.
According to the group, the prominent doctor complained of violence by prison guards during cell searches.
Previously, Abu Safiya's lawyer had raised the alarm over mistreatment and abuse, including isolation and numerous severe beatings.
Palestinian detainees have reported widespread and severe mistreatment in Israeli custody since 7 October 2023, abuses that leading rights groups describe as systematic crimes.
Reports detail starvation, medical neglect, physical violence, humiliation, sexual assault, theft and unprecedented levels of mass solitary confinement.
'Unlawful combatant' law
Despite being a civilian doctor, Abu Safiya has been categorised as an "unlawful combatant" under Israeli law, which means there is no formal indictment against him.
Rights groups have described this legislation as a flagrant violation of international law. It allows Israeli authorities to detain individuals without a court order or access to legal representation as well as withhold information about their whereabouts and conditions.
"It became clear during the visit that Dr Abu Safiya has not been brought before a judge, investigated or given any information about the reason for his arrest since March," PHRI said in its statement.
The group demanded the immediate release of Palestinian healthcare personnel unlawfully detained by Israel, adding that their imprisonment "serves no justice and directly undermines the right to health of the Palestinian population".
Civilians account for the vast majority of Palestinians held under this law, according to classified data published in early September by The Guardian, +972 Magazine and Local Call.
Among those held indefinitely without charge or trial are children, the elderly, medical workers, teachers, civil servants, journalists and people with disabilities.
In August, a record 2,662 Palestinians were held under the "unlawful combatants" law, data obtained by Israeli rights group HaMoked showed, with an additional unknown number detained in military facilities.
