DaysofPal — Palestinian doctor Hussam Abu Safiya has appealed for his release from solitary confinement, noting that he suffers from renewed physical abuse in Israeli custody, according to a statement issued Thursday by Physicians for Human Rights–Israel.
The organization said Abu Safiya, director of Kamal Adwan Hospital in the Gaza Strip, told his lawyer during a visit on Tuesday that he had been beaten again by prison guards following a previous legal visit.
He reported sustaining a finger injury that caused bleeding and said he has since been held in solitary confinement in an underground detention facility identified as “Rakevet.”
According to the organization, Abu Safiya urged his lawyer to “do everything possible to get me out of this place,” calling for an end to his isolation, transfer from the facility, and access to adequate medical care.
He requested an eye examination, the return of his prescription glasses, and continued access to pain medication.
The organization said the legal visit was conducted under conditions that did not ensure confidentiality.
Communication reportedly took place through a barrier using a telephone, while two masked guards were positioned nearby and able to overhear the conversation.
Abu Safiya also told his lawyer that although he underwent medical examinations, including X-rays, following a previous visit, he was not informed of the results.
He said he was given painkillers for a limited period before they were discontinued, despite being seen by a doctor multiple times in the past week without further treatment.
Physicians for Human Rights–Israel said these accounts appear to contradict information submitted by Israeli authorities to the Supreme Court, which reportedly indicated there was no evidence that Abu Safiya’s life was at risk and that he had undergone several medical evaluations.
The organization said the Israeli occupation did not disclose the results of those tests or directly address the of abuse.
The organization called for urgent intervention to ensure an independent medical and legal assessment of Abu Safiya’s condition, free from external influence, and to guarantee his safety.
It also demanded his transfer from the “Rakevet” facility and an immediate end to his solitary confinement, warning that his continued detention under such conditions raises serious concerns about his health and well-being.
The case comes amid a broader petition filed by the organization before Israeli Supreme Court seeking the release of 14 Palestinian doctors from Gaza, including Abu Safiya, who has been held since December 2024 without formal charges or trial.
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