The director of Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza, Dr Hussam Abu Safiya, has called on Israel’s Supreme Court to order his immediate release, saying his detention was “unjust and arbitrary” during his first court appearance in nearly a year.
Abu Safiya appeared before the court via video link from his prison cell while handcuffed.
“My detention is unjust and arbitrary, and I demand my immediate release,” his defence lawyer, Nasser Abu Odeh, quoted the physician as telling the court.
“I am a paediatrician who provides medical services and care to patients, the wounded and vulnerable people in the Gaza Strip,” Abu Safiya said.
“I carried out my work in accordance with international law and humanitarian standards, and my detention is unjust and arbitrary,” he added.
Harsh prison conditions
The lawyer said in a video statement following the hearing that the court decided to postpone a ruling on whether Abu Safiya’s detention would continue, with a decision expected within hours or in the coming days.
The hearing marked Abu Safiya’s first public appearance since February 2025, when Israeli media aired footage showing him shackled inside prison following his arrest.
Abu Safiya’s appearance came days after his defence lawyer disclosed details of his detention conditions, saying the doctor is being held in harsh circumstances while shackled by both hands and feet, with limited food, no access to safe drinking water and denial of medical care.
