Gaza Herald – Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, director of Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza, has called on Israel’s Supreme Court to order his immediate release, stating that his continued detention as “unjust and arbitrary” during his first court appearance in nearly a year.
Appearing via video link from his prison cell while handcuffed, Abu Safiya addressed the court in what his lawyer said was a rare public hearing. According to his defence counsel, Nasser Abu Odeh, the physician stated: “My detention is unjust and arbitrary, and I demand my immediate release.”
Abu Safiya emphasized his role as a paediatrician providing medical care to patients, the wounded, and vulnerable civilians in Gaza. “I carried out my work in accordance with international law and humanitarian standards,” he said, reiterating that his detention lacks legal justification.
The hearing was conducted remotely, with Abu Safiya appearing from inside harsh prison conditions. His lawyer noted that the court did not issue a ruling on the continuation of his detention, and a decision is expected within hours or in the coming days.
This marks Abu Safiya’s first public appearance since February 2025, when Israeli media broadcast footage of him shackled inside detention following his detaine.
His legal team has previously raised serious concerns over his detention conditions, stating that he is held in severe restraints, with limited food, no access to safe drinking water, and denial of adequate medical care.
The case has drawn attention amid broader concerns over the treatment of medical personnel detained during the ongoing genocide in Gaza.
