29 March 2025
Dr Hussam Abu Safiyeh – Update on 23 March 2025
The respected paediatrician Dr Abu Safiyeh, has suffered clear signs of torture and is being detained in an Israeli prison as an “unlawful combatant” — a label used by Israel to justify indefinite detention without charge or trial - according to his lawyer.
Dr Hussam was detained on 27 December 2024. His only ‘crime’ is refusing to leave his patients or medical colleagues at Kamal Adwan Hospital.
For eight weeks prior, the Israeli occupation forces attacked Kamal Adwan Hospital. Dr Hussam’s son, Ibrahim, was shot dead while going to fetch water for the family. He buried his son in the hospital grounds. The oxygen tanks needed for newborns in intensive care were destroyed, along with solar panels and electricity generators.
Dr Hussam was taken to the notorious Sde Teiman military detention centre in the Naqab (Negev) desert, where he endured a catalogue of abuse. During this time, his mother died of a heart attack.
According to his lawyer, Ms Ghaid Qassem, who visited him on 6 and 19 March, Dr Hussam was subjected to various forms of torture:
He was stripped and tightly shackled, leaving him exposed and restrained in degrading conditions.
He was kept in stress positions, including being forced to sit on sharp gravel for five hours.
He was severely beaten, including assaults with electric shocks and batons, and sustained repeated blows to his chest.
He was held in solitary confinement for 25 days.
He was subjected to interrogation for 10 days; four sessions lasted up to 13 hours each.
He has lost 14 kilograms and suffers from severe breathing problems, which have led to loss of consciousness.
Israeli authorities have refused him medical treatment despite a pre-existing heart condition and visible injuries, including severe damage to his eyes and rib cage.
The Israeli Occupation Forces have accused Dr Hussam of performing surgeries on “terrorists” — without presenting any evidence.
In late March 2025, an Israeli court extended his detention by six months, based on undisclosed “secret evidence”.
His lawyer confirms that the court has formally designated him an “unlawful combatant” — a classification widely condemned by human rights organisations.
She further states that his condition is rapidly deteriorating. He is facing starvation, sleep deprivation, prolonged isolation, and denial of the most basic medical care.
Human rights organisations, including Amnesty International, have condemned Israel’s treatment of Dr Abu Safiyeh and are calling for his immediate release. His case is part of a systematic campaign targeting Palestinian medics, civilians, and infrastructure.
Dr Hussam Abu Safiyeh’s story exposes the sheer impunity that Israeli authorities enjoy, while the US and the UK government remain silent. His case demands outrage, solidarity, and urgent international action.
Sources:
1. https://www.frontlinedefenders...
2. https://www.npr.org/2024/12/28...
3. https://www.amnesty.org.nz/fre...
4. https://www.newarab.com/news/d...