WASHINGTON, August 19, 2026 (WAFA) — More than 100 human rights, civil society and religious organizations in the United States have urged the administration of President Donald Trump to urgently intervene with Israeli authorities to secure the release of Palestinian-American student Sama Safi, who has been detained since early June.

A total of 102 organizations signed a letter addressed to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, calling on the State Department to use available diplomatic tools to ensure her immediate and permanent release.

Safi, 20, is a US citizen and an outstanding psychology student at Birzeit University. Israeli forces detained her during a raid on her family home on June 2.

The organizations expressed particular concern over her health, noting that she suffers from a complex chronic condition requiring specialized medical care and treatment. They warned that her continued detention could lead to a serious deterioration in her condition.

The organizations stressed that protecting US citizens abroad falls within the responsibilities of the State Department, and called on Rubio to take action to secure Safi's release.

The appeal comes amid mounting pressure in the United States over her case. The organizations said thousands of Americans have contacted elected officials demanding her release, while several members of Congress, including Senator Chris Van Hollen and Representative Derek Tran, have previously called on the administration to intervene.

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