United Nations experts have called on Israel to immediately release Palestinian doctor from Gaza, Dr. Hussam Abu Safia, warning that he has faced “severe torture” and other abuses while in detention.
In a statement released on Tuesday, UN special rapporteurs Tlaleng Mofokeng and Ben Saul said they had received information that Abu Safia's health condition "remains very serious."
According to them, the doctor has been systematically denied necessary medical check-ups and treatment, seriously endangering his life and well-being.
Hussam Abu Safia, the former director of Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza, was arrested by Israeli forces in December 2024, during the war in the Palestinian enclave. He was detained after refusing to leave the hospital, which was the last functioning health facility in northern Gaza amid Israeli attacks.
Like many other detainees from Gaza, Israel has held Abu Safia without charge or trial, which has sparked widespread international reactions.
UN experts stressed that he has faced arbitrary deprivation of liberty and violations of human rights, including the right not to be tortured and to have access to health services.
They called on the international community and countries that have influence over Israel to intervene to ensure justice and prevent further abuses.
"Israel must release Dr. Abu Safia and all healthcare workers held in prison, guaranteeing them the necessary medical care," the statement said.
According to the World Health Organization, more than 930 attacks on the health sector in Gaza have been recorded since October 2023. All 36 hospitals in the territory have been damaged by attacks, while only about half of them are partially functional.
Meanwhile, humanitarian organizations report that at least 1,722 Palestinian health workers have been killed during the war, between October 2023 and October 2025.
