United Nations investigative body has called for the immediate and unconditional release of Palestinian doctor Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, expressing grave concern over credible reports that the director of Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza has been subjected to severe abuse during months of detention by Israeli authorities.
The UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel, said the continued detention and reported mistreatment of Dr. Abu Safiya raise serious concerns under international humanitarian and human rights law.
The commission urged Israel to immediately release the physician, provide him with independent medical care, and free all medical personnel whom it says are being held in arbitrary detention.
Dr. Abu Safiya has been in Israeli custody since December 2024 after being detained during Israeli military operations in the Gaza Strip. According to the commission, credible information indicates that the hospital director has endured continued and severe abuse while in detention, resulting in a deterioration of his health.
“The Commission calls for the immediate, unconditional and safe release of Dr. Abu Safiya and of all medical personnel held in arbitrary detention by Israel. It also urges the Israeli authorities to provide immediate independent medical care for Dr. Abu Safiya.”
UN Independent International Commission
The commission described the reported treatment of Palestinian medical personnel in Israeli detention as deeply troubling, arguing that it reflects a broader pattern of alleged violations documented throughout its investigations into the conflict.
It said the continued arbitrary detention of healthcare workers and the severe mistreatment they allegedly face constitute flagrant violations of international law.
The commission further expressed concern over the conduct of Israeli Prison Service guards toward Palestinian detainees, saying the allegations could amount to serious international crimes.
“The continued arbitrary detention of Palestinian medical personnel and the severe mistreatment they are subjected to are deplorable and flagrant violations of international law.”
UN Independent International Commission
According to UN Independent International Commission, “the actions of the Israeli Prison Service guards towards Palestinian detainees raise grave concerns of violations of international law that likely amount to international crimes.”
The commission emphasized that all persons deprived of their liberty are protected under international law against murder, torture, cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment, and sexual violence.
It added that Dr. Abu Safiya’s reported medical condition is directly linked to the alleged treatment he has received while in custody.
The latest statement builds on findings the commission has presented in previous reports examining the impact of the conflict on Gaza’s healthcare sector. The investigators said their earlier inquiries documented what they described as deliberate attacks against medical personnel and healthcare infrastructure during Israeli military operations.
According to the commission, Israeli security forces deliberately killed, injured, detained and severely mistreated medical workers in Gaza. It concluded that these actions constituted the war crimes of wilful killing and torture, as well as the crime against humanity of extermination.
The commission further argued that military operations targeting hospitals and healthcare professionals formed part of what it described as a broader policy aimed at dismantling Gaza’s healthcare system.
It emphasised that the destruction of medical infrastructure has deprived Palestinians of access to essential healthcare services, causing widespread suffering and preventing injured and sick civilians from receiving life-saving treatment.
The commission also reiterated conclusions contained in its previous reports, stating that it found Israeli authorities committed the crime of genocide through policies targeting Gaza’s healthcare system and medical professionals since October 2023.
According to the commission, these actions intentionally deprived Palestinians of crucial medical care, leading to deaths and causing long-term harm to the population’s ability to recover from the conflict.
UN Investigators Renew Calls for Accountability
Dr. Abu Safiya’s torture, as revealed by the UN Independent International Commission, is an example of a larger pattern of abuses that afflict Palestinian inmates and medical personnel during the current conflict.
The Commission further indicated that, “the State of Israel must adhere strictly to international humanitarian law and international human rights law.”
The investigators stressed that accountability remains central to their mandate and said they will continue gathering evidence relating to alleged violations committed during the conflict.
“To that end, the Commission is committed to investigating alleged violations of international law and identifying those responsible, and will continue sharing information collected with relevant judicial authorities.”
UN Independent International Commission
The most recent appeal coincides with humanitarian organisations’ ongoing warnings that Gaza’s healthcare system is in danger of collapsing due to months of fighting, frequent attacks on medical facilities, and acute shortages of medications, medical supplies, and medical staff.
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