Gaza Hospital Director Demands Release After 530 Days in Israeli Custody

Abu Safiya was seized by Israeli forces on December 28, 2024, during a siege on the medical facility in Beit Lahia. Despite orders to evacuate, the physician had remained at his post to treat wounded patients. Israel alleges he is affiliated with Hamas’ military medical services, though no evidence has been presented to support these claims. His defense attorney, Nasser Abu Odeh, reported that the doctor remains in solitary confinement at Nafha Prison, where he is denied necessary medication for chronic health conditions and continues to suffer from injuries sustained during his initial capture.

The case has drawn sharp condemnation from human rights organizations, including Physicians for Human Rights Israel (PHRI), which warns that the systematic arrest of medical personnel has crippled Gaza’s healthcare infrastructure. During his imprisonment, Abu Safiya has faced profound personal tragedy, losing his mother to a heart attack and his 15-year-old son, Ibrahim, in a drone strike. His appearance in court, shackled and physically gaunt, prompted an emotional response from his family, who described the toll of his prolonged incarceration as a clear reflection of the abuse he has endured within the Israeli prison system.