Gaza: Physicians for Human Rights has warned that the health of Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, director of Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza, has deteriorated significantly following his transfer to Nitzan Prison.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, the organization said its lawyer, Nasser Odeh, documented severe injuries, signs of physical assault, breathing difficulties, and repeated episodes of loss of consciousness during a visit to Abu Safiya on July 2.
Odeh reported that Abu Safiya was brought to the meeting with his hands and feet shackled and surrounded by masked prison guards. He had fresh and serious injuries and bruises to his head, around his eyes, ears, and neck, making him difficult to recognize.
Physicians for Human Rights Israel renewed its call for the release of Abu Safiya and other doctors who it said are being held without charges or trial.
Naji Abbas, director of the Prisoners and Detainees Department at the organization, expressed immediate and serious concern for Abu Safiya's life. He described the lawyer's testimony as among the most disturbing the organization has heard since the war began, citing Abu Safiya's statement that he feared he would be killed while in custody.
Abbas noted that Abu Safiya's condition worsened after he challenged the continuation of his detention in court, adding that the sequence of events warrants an immediate and independent investigation. He emphasized that Israeli authorities bear full responsibility for the health, safety, and life of anyone in custody and called for urgent intervention.