Palestinian Doctor Faces Inhumane Detention in Israeli Prison Without Charge
Dr. Hossam Abu Safiya’s case highlights alarming treatment of Gaza detainees, raising concerns over human rights violations and international silence.
Watan-Palestinian doctor Hossam Abu Safiya is not just another detainee in Israeli prisons—he represents the suffering of thousands of Palestinians who are thrown into Israeli cells without charges, trials, or the most basic human rights.
Since the moment of his arrest, Abu Safiya has endured harsh and unprecedented conditions, according to his lawyer, Ghaid Qassem, who has visited him three times. She confirmed that his physical and psychological condition is rapidly deteriorating, amid escalating torture and violations committed by Israeli authorities, especially against detainees from the Gaza Strip.
Strikingly, Dr. Abu Safiya was not arrested as a “fighter”, but as a civilian doctor. Despite this, he was labeled an “unlawful combatant”—a designation that allows for exceptional measures to be taken against him without clear charges, meaning he may remain under administrative detention until at least September or October.
Dr. Hossam Abu Safiya tortured in Israeli detention
Tortured in Silence: The Ordeal of Dr. Hossam Abu Safiya Behind Israeli Bars
Lawyer Ghaid Qassem described horrifying details: systematic beatings, humiliation, being forced to drink sewage water, and complete isolation from the outside world. Even during Eid al-Fitr, detainees were subjected to mass beatings and insults.
She added:“What’s happening behind bars is indescribable. We’re ashamed to even speak of its severity.”
Abu Safiya is not alone. Reports indicate that over 10,000 Palestinian prisoners are currently held in Israeli jails, including 400 children and 27 women, along with around 3,500 administrative detainees who have not been formally charged with any crimes.
The treatment of Palestinian prisoners—including medical professionals detained from hospitals—amounts to war crimes, according to international law experts, and underscores Israel’s intent to punish Gaza indiscriminately, including humanitarian professionals like doctors.
Today, many are asking:Will Abu Safiya suffer a slow death behind bars?
Does this new level of Israeli repression expose the true face of an occupation that even targets those who save lives?
In the face of international silence, the life of Hossam Abu Safiya remains at grave risk.
