Gaza Herald – A United Nations human rights body has called for the immediate release of Palestinian pediatrician Dr. Hussam Abu Safia, warning that his life is in imminent danger following months of arbitrary detention by Israeli occupation.
The UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention concluded that Dr. Abu Safia’s detention violates multiple provisions of international human rights law, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. The panel stated that the appropriate remedy is his immediate release, along with compensation and other reparations under international law.
The UN experts further warned that Abu Safia’s case appears to reflect a broader pattern of arbitrary detention of Palestinians, raising concerns about systematic violations of international legal standards.
According to his lawyer, Nasser Odeh, Dr. Abu Safia’s health has deteriorated dramatically after enduring daily abuse in Israeli detention. His family and human rights organizations report visible signs of torture and severe physical deterioration, saying that his condition is critical and urging urgent international intervention.
Dr. Abu Safia, who served as director of Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza, was detained by Israeli forces in December 2024 while remaining at the hospital to treat patients during military operations. He has been held without charge since then under Israel’s detention, despite his status as a civilian medical professional protected under international humanitarian law.
His detention has drawn growing international condemnation, with medical and human rights organizations continuing to demand his immediate release and accountability for the reported abuses against detained Palestinian healthcare workers.
