GENEVA (7 July 2026) – UN experts* today urged Israel
to immediately release Palestinian Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya and
all the health and care workers arbitrarily
detained.
“Dr. Abu Safiya’s ongoing arbitrary
detention without charges or trial is a reflection of
Israel’s systematic targeting of Palestinian health
workers and the continuing decimation of the health care
system in Gaza in order to inflict conditions to bring about
the mental and physical destruction of Palestinians,” the
UN experts said.
On 27 December 2024, Kamal Adwan
Hospital was the last functioning hospital in North Gaza.
“The hospital’s director, Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya along
with other medical staff and patients were illegally
detained by Israel on the basis of the abusive Unlawful
Combatants’ Law”, the experts said. They have previously
raised
concern regarding the compatibility of this Law and
subsequent amendments with international humanitarian law
and international human rights law.
“We raised the
alarm back in October 2023 and urged Member States to stop
beating the drum of war. We have also engaged
with Israel on this matter since then, as our mandates have
received information regarding arrests and detention of
health care workers,” they said.
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The experts
stressed that the number of widespread violations of the
special protection afforded to civilians, as well as
violations related to the lack of protection for medical
personnel, have been immeasurable under both international
humanitarian law and international human rights
law.
“Israel and its allies have ignored the
International Court of Justice and UN mechanims and experts
as they continue to commit these violations of international
law without any consequences,” they said.
“In
light of ongoing reports of continued severe torture and the
latest reports suggesting that his injuries could lead to
imminent death, Israel must ensure that Dr. Abu Safiya has
access to immediate and adequate medical care,” the
experts said.
They underscored that Dr. Hussam Abu
Safiya’s dedication, expertise and compassion are vital in
delivering essential health services, as he supported the
most vulnerable populations.
“Israel has turned the
practice of medicine into a crime – and made health and
care workers targets of harassment, intimidation, arrests,
torture and death. This must stop,” the experts
said.
The UN experts called for the immediate release
of Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya and all health and care
workers.
