Key facts
- Prominent Gaza doctor Hussam Abu Safiya is challenging his detention by Israeli forces.
- Abu Safiya was captured 17 months ago and is held on suspicion of Hamas affiliation.
- He appeared via video link before Israel's Supreme Court to appeal his imprisonment.
- Medical staff and aid groups deny allegations of Abu Safiya's cooperation with Hamas.
- Physicians for Human Rights—Israel reports 14 doctors from Gaza remain in Israeli detention.
A prominent Palestinian doctor, Hussam Abu Safiya, who was captured by the Israeli military in Gaza 17 months ago, appeared via video link before Israel's Supreme Court to challenge his detention. Abu Safiya, formerly the director of Kamal Adwan Hospital, is accused by the military of being a member of Hamas, an allegation denied by Gaza's health ministry and Hamas. His lawyer, Nasser Odeh, told reporters after the hearing that Abu Safiya was handcuffed and shackled throughout the proceedings, held in solitary confinement, and not receiving adequate medical treatment for severe neck and back pain or for a chronic illness. Physicians for Human Rights Israel stated that Abu Safiya has been held without charge for over 500 days and is among 14 Palestinian doctors detained by Israel for more than a year without charge. The Israeli Prison Service has denied allegations of mistreatment.