Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP) has demanded the immediate release of Dr Hussam Abu Safiya, the director of Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza, warning that his life is in “imminent danger” in Israeli custody.
The UK-based medical charity issued the appeal after a lawyer visited Dr Abu Safiya on 2 July 2026 at the Rakefet facility in Nitzan Prison. According to lawyer Nasser Odeh, Dr Abu Safiya showed signs of severe physical deterioration, including visible injuries, extreme weakness, breathing difficulties and psychological distress. He appeared at times close to losing consciousness and feared that he would not survive detention.
Dr Abu Safiya has been detained by Israeli authorities since 27 December 2024 without charge or trial under the Unlawful Combatants Law. Israel uses this discriminatory law to hold Palestinians from Gaza for prolonged periods without ordinary criminal due process and legal safeguards. His latest detention order was upheld in June 2026 despite the absence of any public evidence against him.
Steve Cutts, MAP’s CEO, warned that the doctor was being “beaten to the point of collapse” and said the UK government must act before it is too late.
“He has been charged with no crime; he simply treated patients,” Cutts said. “That seems to be a capital offence in the eyes of an occupying power that has killed more than 1,700 healthcare workers and destroyed Gaza’s healthcare system during 1,000 days of genocide.”
