Gaza Herald _The Israeli human rights organization Physicians for Human Rights Israel (PHRI) has warned that the health of detained Palestinian physician Hossam Abu Safiya has deteriorated dramatically after he was transferred to the underground interrogation section of Ramla Prison, saying his life is now in immediate danger.
According to the organization, Abu Safiya’s lawyer visited him two days ago and observed fresh, serious injuries, including bruising and trauma to his head, around his eyes, ears, and neck. The lawyer reported that the doctor appeared extremely weak and struggled to breathe and speak throughout the meeting.
PHRI said Abu Safiya told his attorney that he had recently been assaulted inside his cell by four or five prison guards, who beat him across his body.
The latest account adds to mounting concerns over Abu Safiya’s detention conditions. His lawyer, Nasser Odeh, previously revealed that a legal visit on May 26 exposed what he described as harsh treatment inside the prison. During that visit, Abu Safiya remained shackled by both his hands and feet and continued to be denied adequate drinking water, sufficient food, and consistent medical care despite suffering from several chronic illnesses.
Odeh also said the meeting took place in a room under constant camera surveillance, with Abu Safiya speaking to his lawyer by telephone through a glass partition while guards remained beside both men. The heavily monitored setting and the limited duration of the visit prevented the detained physician from speaking openly about his treatment out of fear of possible retaliation.
Abu Safiya’s family has held Israeli authorities and the prison administration fully responsible for his safety, describing his continued solitary confinement as a dangerous escalation and another punitive measure imposed while he remains deprived of essential medical treatment under harsh detention conditions.
Legal and human rights reports indicate that Abu Safiya suffers from chronic heart disease and high blood pressure. He has also reportedly contracted scabies due to poor prison conditions and has lost approximately 25 kilograms (55 pounds) because of inadequate nutrition and medical neglect.
The United Nations, the World Health Organization (WHO), the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), and several international medical and human rights organizations have called on Israel to ensure Abu Safiya’s safety and provide him with the urgent medical care his condition requires.
