UN experts demanded Israel immediately release detained Gaza physician Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, warning his worsening condition could soon prove fatal.
Key Takeaways
- UN Special Rapporteurs demanded the immediate release of Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya and all arbitrarily detained Palestinian healthcare workers.
- The experts warned that reports of torture and deteriorating health place Dr. Abu Safiya at risk of “imminent death.”
- They accused Israel of systematically targeting Gaza’s healthcare system and criminalizing medical work.
Immediate Release Demanded
A group of United Nations independent human rights experts has called on Israel to immediately release detained Palestinian physician Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya and all Palestinian healthcare workers held without charge, warning that the Gaza doctor’s deteriorating condition could soon become fatal.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the experts said Dr. Abu Safiya’s prolonged detention is emblematic of Israel’s broader assault on Gaza’s healthcare sector.
“Dr. Abu Safiya’s ongoing arbitrary detention without charges or trial is a reflection of Israel’s systematic targeting of Palestinian health workers and the continuing decimation of the health care system in Gaza in order to inflict conditions to bring about the mental and physical destruction of Palestinians,” the experts said.
They urged Israel to provide him with urgent medical treatment amid mounting reports of torture and worsening injuries.
“In light of ongoing reports of continued severe torture and the latest reports suggesting that his injuries could lead to imminent death, Israel must ensure that Dr. Abu Safiya has access to immediate and adequate medical care,” they said.
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Targeting Gaza’s Healthcare System
The experts recalled that Dr. Abu Safiya, director of Kamal Adwan Hospital, was detained on December 27, 2024, after Israeli occupation forces raided what they described as the last functioning hospital in northern Gaza.
“The hospital’s director, Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya along with other medical staff and patients, were illegally detained by Israel on the basis of the abusive Unlawful Combatants’ Law,” they said.
The statement notes that the experts have previously questioned the compatibility of Israel’s Unlawful Combatants’ Law with international humanitarian and human rights law.
They also emphasized that they had repeatedly warned of escalating attacks on Gaza’s healthcare sector since the beginning of Israel’s military campaign.
“We raised the alarm back in October 2023 and urged Member States to stop beating the drum of war,” they said.
‘Medicine Has Become a Crime’
The UN experts said violations against Palestinian civilians and medical personnel have reached unprecedented levels.
“The number of widespread violations of the special protection afforded to civilians, as well as violations related to the lack of protection for medical personnel, have been immeasurable under both international humanitarian law and international human rights law,” the statement read.
They further accused Israel and its allies of disregarding international legal institutions: “Israel and its allies have ignored the International Court of Justice and UN mechanisms and experts as they continue to commit these violations of international law without any consequences.”
The experts praised Dr. Abu Safiya’s work serving Gaza’s civilian population before his arrest.
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“Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya’s dedication, expertise and compassion are vital in delivering essential health services, as he supported the most vulnerable populations,” they noted.
They concluded by condemning what they described as Israel’s criminalization of healthcare itself: “Israel has turned the practice of medicine into a crime – and made health and care workers targets of harassment, intimidation, arrests, torture and death. This must stop.”
The statement ends with a renewed demand for Israel to immediately release Dr. Abu Safiya and all arbitrarily detained Palestinian health and care workers, while reiterating that attacks on medical personnel and healthcare facilities violate protections guaranteed under international humanitarian and international human rights law.
The statement was issued by four UN Special Rapporteurs: Tlaleng Mofokeng, Francesca Albanese, Morris Tidball-Binz, and Ben Saul.
(PC, UN Human Rights)
