Key facts
- Prominent Palestinian doctor Hussam Abu Safiya has been detained by Israel for over 17 months without charge.
- Abu Safiya appeared via video link at Israel's Supreme Court, showing visible weight loss.
- His lawyer stated he is being held in solitary confinement and was shackled and handcuffed during the hearing.
- The Israeli military accuses Abu Safiya of Hamas membership, a charge denied by Gaza's health ministry and Hamas.
- Abu Safiya is among 14 Palestinian doctors detained by Israel without charge.
Prominent Palestinian doctor Hussam Abu Safiya, who has been detained by the Israeli military in Gaza for over 17 months without charge, appeared via video link at a Supreme Court hearing. Abu Safiya, director of Kamal Adwan Hospital, appeared noticeably thinner, with his brother having previously reported significant weight loss and other ailments due to alleged inadequate food and medical care in detention. His lawyer, Nasser Odeh, challenged the detention and informed reporters that Abu Safiya was handcuffed and shackled throughout the proceedings, and is being held in solitary confinement. Odeh also stated that Abu Safiya is receiving medical treatment for severe neck and back pain, possibly from an assault, and is experiencing vision problems due to confiscated eyeglasses. Skin disease, reportedly widespread among Palestinian prisoners, was also noted on his hands. Physicians for Human Rights Israel (PHRI) stated that Abu Safiya has been held for over 500 days without charge, and that the Israeli military accuses him of being a member of Hamas, an allegation denied by Gaza's health ministry and Hamas. Abu Safiya is among 14 Palestinian doctors captured in Gaza and detained by Israel for over a year without charge, with PHRI calling for their release due to alleged mistreatment, denial of adequate care, and food. Israel's Prison Service has denied allegations of mistreatment and inadequate food for detained doctors.