AN urgent human rights briefing has been circulated to MPs, MEPs, and members of diplomatic missions accredited to the United Nations, warning of the escalating threat to the life of detained Palestinian doctor Hussam Abu Safiya.
The briefing explains the latest developments concerning Dr Abu Safiya's detention and highlights documented reports and testimonies indicating that he has been subjected to torture, prolonged solitary confinement, and the denial of medical care and treatment.
Dr Abu Safiya, 53, was arrested at the end of 2024 as the Israeli military forced patients and medical staff to leave Kamal Adwan hospital in northern Gaza, alleging the facility was a "Hamas terrorist stronghold".
The IDF statement at the time repeated that he was suspected of being a "terrorist" and for "holding a rank" in Hamas – but offered no evidence, with none since forthcoming as the paediatrician has remained detained for 18 months without charge or trial.
Campaigners have continually urged his release while his lawyer has recently said that Dr Abu Safiya is almost unrecognisable because of severe injuries inflicted in Israeli detention and that he faces a “tangible danger to his life”.
Circulated by the Palestinian Return Centre, the briefing also features a message he conveyed through his lawyer, in which he stated: "They brought me here to kill me."
Physicians for Human Rights Israel and Abu Safiya's lawyer, Nasser Odeh, said Dr Abu Safiya appeared extremely weak and struggled to sit upright during a visit on July 2.
Odeh added: "I had difficulty recognising his features. Bruises covered his face, around his eyes, on his neck, and on his ears. Signs of beatings and torture were clearly visible on his face. He was exhausted and unable to breathe, in a difficult physical, psychological, and mental state.
"He said clearly, 'I'm living in hell. The mind can't imagine what I go through every day. I think someone has decided to kill me'."
"I hope to see him soon out of prison," the lawyer added. "His place is outside prison, his place is in the hospital."
Odeh and Physicians for Human Rights Israel said they have petitioned to have Abu Safiya transferred to another facility.
The centre said Dr Abu Safiya's case represents "a critical test of the international community's commitment to protecting civilians and healthcare workers", warning that continued inaction could have irreversible consequences.
The briefing is also part of the ongoing effort to provide policymakers with evidence-based legal and human rights analysis that supports international action to protect human rights, ensure accountability, and prevent further harm to Dr Abu Safiya.
