UN human rights experts urged Israel to immediately release Palestinian physician Dr. Hossam Abu Safiya, and all other health and medical‑care workers held arbitrarily.
The experts said Israel’s continued detention of Dr. Abu Safiya without charge or trial reflects a systematic targeting of Palestinian health‑care personnel and the ongoing destruction of Gaza’s medical system, creating conditions that inflict severe psychological and physical harm on Palestinians.
They noted that Israel detained Dr. Abu Safiya, a hospital director, along with other medical staff and patients, under the arbitrary “Unlawful Combatants Law.” The experts have previously raised concerns about the compatibility of this law and its amendments with international humanitarian law and international human rights law.
“This is the end.”
From inside an underground Israeli detention facility, with his features barely recognisable after severe beatings, Palestinian doctor Hussam Abu Safiya said he had been transferred to another prison in preparation for his murder.
The International Committee… pic.twitter.com/aUwHN0x9wq
— Euro-Med Monitor (@EuroMedHR) July 7, 2026
“We sounded the alarm in October 2023 and urged member states to stop beating the drums of war,” they said, adding that they have been in contact with Israel since then and have received information regarding the abduction and detention of health‑care workers.
The experts stressed that the scale of violations against civilians and the lack of protection for medical personnel is incalculable under international humanitarian and human rights law.
They said Israel and its allies have ignored the International Court of Justice, UN mechanisms, and UN experts, continuing to commit violations of international law without consequences.
VIDEO | “Perhaps this will be the last cry.”
The son of Dr. Hussam Abu Safia, who has been held in Israeli captivity without charge for over 555 days, has issued an urgent plea for his father’s release, warning that his health is in critical condition.
According to his lawyer,… https://t.co/um6HoD0c4T pic.twitter.com/h8ZX0Bcqfp
— The Cradle (@TheCradleMedia) July 6, 2026
In light of ongoing reports of severe torture and recent indications that Dr. Abu Safiya’s injuries may lead to imminent death, the experts said Israel must ensure he receives immediate and adequate medical care.
They emphasized that Dr. Abu Safiya’s dedication, expertise, and compassion were essential to providing critical health services, particularly for the most vulnerable.
|Seven Palestinians Killed in New Israeli Attacks on Gaza|
The overall death toll from the genocide in Gaza since October 7, 2023, has risen to 73,102, with 173,581 wounded. Since the “ceasefire announcement” on October 11, 2023, 1,076 Palestinians have been killed and 3,474 injured, while 799 bodies have been recovered from beneath destroyed buildings.
