Gaza Hospital Director Alleges Continued Abuse, Threats in Israeli Custody

Dr. Husam Abu Safiya, director of Kamal Adwan Hospital in Gaza, has provided new testimony to his lawyer alleging ongoing physical abuse by Israeli prison guards. Abu Safiya claims he is being beaten, including in sensitive areas of his body, and deliberately deprived of sleep. He stated the abuse occurred after a previous visit from his lawyer, and he was threatened against sharing details of his detention conditions.

Meanwhile, the Israel Prison Service is reportedly delaying access for an independent physician from Physicians for Human Rights to examine Abu Safiya. Despite his recent transfer to the prison service's medical center and undergoing medical tests, the organization insists on an independent evaluation. Physicians for Human Rights filed a request on July 7 for Dr. Amit Tirosh to examine Abu Safiya, and after it was denied, Abu Safiya, with the organization's help, filed a petition with an Israeli administrative court.

The organization argues there is no justification for further delays, especially given Abu Safiya's health status. He was transferred on August 10 from an underground facility to the prison medical center in Ramle prison, where he spent about a week and underwent tests revealing several health issues. Physicians for Human Rights emphasized that his exceptional transfer indicates serious medical needs requiring a second, independent medical opinion.

This latest testimony adds to previous accounts of severe abuse during his detention since December 2024, for which he has not been charged. Previous reports indicated head and facial injuries, and that abuse continued even after his lawyer requested an urgent medical examination. Official medical records obtained by the organization document an injury to his left eye and complaints of head and chest injuries.

Separately, the Israeli Supreme Court has ordered the state to clarify by September 13 whether the Chief of Staff, or a delegate, has considered the request to release 14 Palestinian doctors, including Abu Safiya, held without charge. The court wants to know if their status as doctors was specifically taken into account.