Palestinian rights advocates warn that detained physician Hussam Abu Safiya is facing deteriorating health and abuse in custody.

The head of the Commission of Prisoners’ Affairs and Former Prisoners, Minister Raed Abu al-Humus, has accused Israeli authorities of pursuing a “systematic policy” aimed at “eliminating” Palestinian doctor Hussam Abu Safiya through harsh detention conditions and alleged mistreatment.

In statements reported on Sunday, Abu al-Humus said Abu Safiya has been subjected to severe beatings, torture, starvation, denial of medical treatment, and prolonged solitary confinement. 

He also alleged that the doctor has been kept shackled for long periods and deprived of basic human rights, describing the treatment as a “systematic crime” and a breach of international law.

According to Abu al-Humus, Abu Safiya’s health is rapidly deteriorating, with visible physical injuries, significant weight loss, breathing difficulties, and impaired speech.

He warned that the situation has reached a critical stage and called for urgent international intervention, including pressure from the World Health Organization and medical rights organisations, to secure his release.

Abu Safiya was detained in December 2024 while working at Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza, where he was treating injured civilians during Israel’s genocide on the besieged enclave. 

Israeli authorities have previously described his arrest as part of a “targeted operation.”

He is currently being held in solitary confinement at Nitzan Prison in Ramla, amid growing concerns from Palestinian officials and human rights advocates over his health and continued detention conditions.

In June, Israel’s Supreme Court rejected an appeal seeking the release of Abu Safiya, allowing his detention to continue under Israel’s “Unlawful Combatants Law.”