GENEVA, July 7, 2026 (WAFA) – UN experts on Tuesday urged Israel to immediately release Palestinian doctor Hussam Abu Safiya and all the health and care workers arbitrarily detained.

“Dr. Abu Safiya’s ongoing arbitrary detention without charges or trial is a reflection of Israel’s systematic targeting of Palestinian health workers and the continuing decimation of the health care system in Gaza in order to inflict conditions to bring about the mental and physical destruction of Palestinians,” the UN experts said.

On 27 December 2024, Kamal Adwan Hospital was the last functioning hospital in North Gaza. “The hospital’s director, Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya along with other medical staff and patients were illegally detained by Israel on the basis of the abusive Unlawful Combatants’ Law”, the experts said. They have previously raised concern regarding the compatibility of this Law and subsequent amendments with international humanitarian law and international human rights law.

“We raised the alarm back in October 2023 and urged Member States to stop beating the drum of war. We have also engaged with Israel on this matter since then, as our mandates have received information regarding arrests and detention of health care workers,” they said.

The experts stressed that the number of widespread violations of the special protection afforded to civilians, as well as violations related to the lack of protection for medical personnel, have been immeasurable under both international humanitarian law and international human rights law.

“Israel and its allies have ignored the International Court of Justice and UN mechanims and experts as they continue to commit these violations of international law without any consequences,” they said.

“In light of ongoing reports of continued severe torture and the latest reports suggesting that his injuries could lead to imminent death, Israel must ensure that Dr. Abu Safiya has access to immediate and adequate medical care,” the experts said.

They underscored that Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya’s dedication, expertise and compassion are vital in delivering essential health services, as he supported the most vulnerable populations.

“Israel has turned the practice of medicine into a crime – and made health and care workers targets of harassment, intimidation, arrests, torture and death. This must stop,” the experts said.

K.F.