Israeli Courts Deny Release for 14 Gaza Doctors, Block Independent Medical Exam for One
Translated & summarized from Alarab by baba
Israeli courts have denied the release of 14 detained doctors from Gaza and refused an independent medical examination for Dr. Husam Abu Safiya, director of Kamal Adwan Hospital. The Supreme Court rejected a petition for the 14 doctors held without charge, while the Central Court denied Abu Safiya a second medical opinion despite documented injuries and significant weight loss. Physicians for Human Rights Association criticized the rulings, highlighting the denial of basic medical rights and the impact on Gaza's healthcare system.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Israeli courts denied release for 14 detained Gaza doctors and blocked an independent medical exam for Dr. Husam Abu Safiya.
- The Supreme Court refused to release the 14 doctors, some held for over two years without charge or trial.
- Dr. Abu Safiya was denied an independent medical exam despite documented injuries and a 14 kg weight loss.
- An Israeli professor's review of Abu Safiya's medical file indicated concerning health issues requiring further investigation.
- Physicians for Human Rights Association criticized the rulings, citing violations of detainees' rights and impact on Gaza's health crisis.
Israeli courts have rejected two petitions filed by the Physicians for Human Rights Association concerning Palestinian doctors detained from Gaza. The Supreme Court refused to release 14 doctors, including hospital directors and specialists, who have been held without charge or trial for over two years. Concurrently, the Central District Court in Lod denied Dr. Husam Abu Safiya, director of Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza, the right to an independent medical examination and a second medical opinion, despite concerning medical indicators and reports of mistreatment.
An independent medical opinion prepared by Israeli Professor Amit Tirosh, a specialist in internal medicine and endocrinology, reviewed Abu Safiya's medical file from the Israel Prison Service. The review revealed that several worrying health indicators were not adequately followed up on. Abu Safiya's weight dropped from 90 kg in January 2025 to 76 kg in May 2025. His hemoglobin levels decreased, and necessary tests for chest pain and a delayed diagnosis of scabies were not performed. Prison records from July 2026 documented bruises around his left eye, dizziness, and rib pain, with Abu Safiya reporting assault by guards, though prison medical records lacked explanations.
Tirosh stated that the medical data contradicted the court's decision that Abu Safiya only suffered from high blood pressure, emphasizing the need for further medical examinations. Despite this, the court denied him an independent examination. The Prison Service's refusal to provide updated medical records prevents the association from knowing his current health status.
The court's decision cited claims presented in closed sessions, including Abu Safiya's alleged international connections and influence on other detainees, and even an international campaign for his release, as reasons for opposing the independent examination. Physicians for Human Rights Association criticized the use of such claims to justify denying him his right to an independent medical opinion, noting his solitary confinement and limited contact with other detainees.
The association stressed that obtaining a second medical opinion is a legal right and should not be linked to a detainee's notoriety or security allegations. Regarding the 14 doctors, the association had sought to cancel their detention orders under the "Unlawful Combatants Law," arguing their continued detention violates their rights and deprives Gazan patients of essential medical services. However, the Supreme Court declined to intervene in the decision of the Israeli army chief of staff to maintain their detention amidst Gaza's severe health crisis.