Palestinian Doctor Held in Israeli Custody Reports Abuse, Sleep Deprivation

Palestinian doctor Hussam Abu Safiya, currently in Israeli detention, has reported ongoing physical abuse and severe sleep deprivation to his lawyer, according to Naji Abbas, director of the Prisoners and Detainees Department at Physicians for Human Rights. Abu Safiya stated he has been allowed only one hour of sleep per day for the past two weeks, a new form of torture in addition to beatings. He also claims he was threatened and assaulted after a previous meeting with his lawyer, apparently for sharing details of his detention conditions.

Physicians for Human Rights confirmed that Abu Safiya's situation remains "very difficult and very bad," noting that his existing health issues and need for medication make the alleged abuse particularly concerning. The organization relies on Abu Safiya's testimony to his lawyer and medical records from the prison service, but Abbas stated the provided medical file was incomplete, lacking crucial test results.

Despite the grim reports, Abbas acknowledged that increased international media attention in recent weeks has led to some improvements. Abu Safiya met with doctors and underwent examinations in August that he had requested for months. His access to his lawyer has also improved, from once every three to four months to nearly monthly. Some severe forms of abuse previously reported by Abu Safiya have reportedly ceased.

However, significant concerns remain. Abu Safiya has been without his prescription eyeglasses for about 18 months, and while some medications have been secured, issues regarding medical equipment, including his glasses, are still pending before the Supreme Court. Physicians for Human Rights is demanding access for an independent doctor to examine Abu Safiya directly and review his full medical file without restrictions.

The case has garnered attention from international rights groups, medical associations, UN bodies, and diplomatic entities, making Abu Safiya one of the most frequently mentioned Palestinian detainees internationally. Nevertheless, the organization stresses that this attention is insufficient given the continued alleged violations against him and 14 other Palestinian doctors also in detention.