DaysofPal- The human rights organization Physicians for Human Rights stated on Wednesday that the Israeli government’s formal response to the High Court regarding a petition to release 14 Palestinian doctors from the Gaza Strip raises severe questions about the health and well-being of detained physician Dr. Hossam Abu Safiya. According to the organization, the state’s response failed to provide substantive answers regarding his worsening medical condition.
In its official submission, the Israeli government claimed that an internal review showed no immediate threat to Dr. Abu Safiya’s life.
According to PHR, the government said Abu Safiya had undergone several medical examinations since being transferred to the underground “Rakevet” wing of Nitzan Prison. However, it did not explain why the examinations were conducted, what their findings were, or how they supported its assertion that his life was not at risk.
The state noted that he had undergone several medical examinations since being transferred to the underground “Rakefet” wing of Nitzan Prison. However, PHR pointed out that the government failed to clarify why these examinations were necessary, what the results were, or how they justified the claim that his life is not in danger.
PHR highlighted that the government’s response completely ignored a sworn affidavit submitted by Dr. Abu Safiya’s attorney, Nasser Odeh. The affidavit states that the doctor has been subjected to repeated assaults, suffered injuries to his head and neck, experienced breathing difficulties and recurring loss of consciousness, and fears for his life while in detention.
PHR further revealed that Israeli authorities have yet to approve the lawyer’s request for a second visit with his client. It also said they have not provided Abu Safiya’s medical records despite a formal request, nor have they responded to demands for an independent medical examination or allowed an independent body to visit him and assess his condition.
In parallel to Dr. Abu Safiya’s specific case, the Israeli government asked the Supreme Court to dismiss, without holding a hearing, PHRI’s petition calling for the release of the 14 Palestinian doctors from Gaza. It argued that there were no grounds for revoking their detention orders.
PHRI rejected the government’s position, saying the continued detention of the doctors without formal charges or trial disregards Gaza’s severe shortage of medical personnel and raises serious concerns about respect for fundamental legal safeguards.
The organization called for an independent medical examination of Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, an urgent judicial review of his condition, and the prompt scheduling of a court hearing to consider the release of the 14 detained Palestinian doctors.
Shortlink for this post: https://daysofpalestine.ps/?p=76137
