Detainees Report Torture of Palestinian Doctor in Israeli Custody

WHO:

Al Jazeera - Hussam Abu Safia, a 52-year-old director of Gaza’s Kamal Adwan Hospital.

Al Jazeera - Nasser Odeh, Abu Safia’s lawyer.

Al Jazeera - UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

Truthout - Released detainees who reported witnessing the torture of Abu Safia.

WHAT:

Al Jazeera - The UN inquiry commission urged Israel to release Hussam Abu Safia, citing credible reports of “continued and severe abuse.”

Al Jazeera - Abu Safia has been jailed without charge for more than 18 months.

Al Jazeera - Rights groups and family members report that Abu Safia shows signs of having been regularly tortured.

Al Jazeera - The commission called for the immediate, unconditional, and safe release of Dr. Abu Safia and all medical personnel held in arbitrary detention by Israel.

Al Jazeera - A separate UN rights body termed Abu Safia’s detention “arbitrary” and called for his immediate release.

WHERE:

Al Jazeera - Abu Safia is detained in Israel.

Al Jazeera - Kamal Adwan Hospital, Gaza.

WHEN:

Al Jazeera - Abu Safia was detained along with other medical staff and patients in December 2024.

Al Jazeera - In September 2025, the commission stated that Israeli authorities had committed genocide by targeting the healthcare system and medical professionals in Gaza since October 2023.

WHY:

Al Jazeera - Israeli authorities classified Abu Safia as an “unlawful combatant,” allowing for prolonged detention without trial.

Al Jazeera - The commission's statement indicated that the reported conduct towards Abu Safia reflects a broader pattern of violations identified in previous reports.

HOW:

Truthout - Detainees reported systematic beatings, dog attacks, and deliberate medical neglect of Abu Safia in Israeli custody.

Al Jazeera - During a recent visit, Abu Safia was found severely wounded, making it difficult for his lawyer to recognize him.

(UPDATED July 9, 2026 02:53 UTC)

The UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory has urged Israel to release Hussam Abu Safia, a 52-year-old director of Gaza’s Kamal Adwan Hospital, citing credible reports of severe abuse during his more than 18 months of detention without charge. Rights groups and family members have reported that Abu Safia shows signs of regular torture, with a separate UN rights body labeling his detention as arbitrary and calling for his immediate release. Detainees have described systematic beatings and medical neglect in Israeli custody, and during a recent visit, Abu Safia was found severely wounded, making it difficult for his lawyer to recognize him.