UN inquiry urges release of Palestinian doctor jailed by Israel | Gaza News
UN Commission Calls for Release of Jailed Palestinian Doctor
Published: July 8, 2026
A United Nations inquiry commission is urging Israel to promptly release Hussam Abu Safia, a Palestinian doctor detained without charge for over 18 months. Abu Safia, 52, serves as the director of Gaza’s Kamal Adwan Hospital. The commission cited credible reports indicating that he has endured “continued and severe abuse” during his incarceration.
The UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory made this appeal on Wednesday. Abu Safia’s attorney, Nasser Odeh, expressed grave concerns for his client’s well-being, stating that Abu Safia’s health is deteriorating under harsh conditions, with evidence suggesting regular torture.
During a recent visit, Odeh noted that Abu Safia appeared so severely injured that he was nearly unrecognizable. Rights organization Physicians for Human Rights Israel reported that during a videolink court appearance last month, Abu Safia looked notably thinner.
In its statement, the commission called for the “immediate, unconditional and safe release” of Abu Safia and all medical personnel arbitrarily detained by Israeli authorities. It also urged for immediate independent medical care for the doctor.
Israeli authorities detained Abu Safia along with other medical staff and patients in December 2024, designating him as an “unlawful combatant.” This classification has allowed for prolonged detention without trial of Palestinians.
The commission’s statement pointed to the reported treatment of Abu Safia as part of a broader pattern of human rights violations by Israeli authorities. It expressed “grave concerns” regarding actions of the Israeli Prison Service, asserting these may constitute violations of international law.
In response, an Israeli Prison Service spokesperson dismissed the commission’s claims as “false, outrageous, and entirely without factual basis.” The spokesperson did not specifically address allegations related to Abu Safia, although previous statements from the agency have denied mistreatment claims concerning him and other detained medical personnel.
Last month, the commission accused Israeli authorities of committing genocide against the healthcare system and medical professionals in Gaza since October 2023. Additionally, another UN rights body has labeled Abu Safia’s detention as “arbitrary” and called for his immediate release, stating that Israel’s actions violate multiple articles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
Hussam Abu Safia is one of 14 Palestinian doctors currently held in Israel without charge. Prior to his detention, he was an outspoken advocate for Gaza’s beleaguered healthcare sector, continuing his work even after losing a son in an Israeli drone strike.