ILLINOIS, September 20, 2026 (WAFA) — The Palestinian community in the United States, along with humanitarian and human rights organizations, has continued to organize demonstrations and protests calling for the release of Palestinian medical workers detained by Israeli occupation authorities.
In Chicago, Illinois, activists and members of the Palestinian community held a protest outside the headquarters of the American Medical Association (AMA), calling for the release of Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, director of Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza, as well as Palestinian doctors, nurses and other healthcare workers held in Israeli detention.
Participants held signs calling for the protection of medical workers and urged US and international medical and human rights organizations to take action to secure information about the detainees' conditions, protect their rights and press for their release.
The protest was part of a broader campaign by the Palestinian community and organizations supporting Palestinian rights in several US cities to keep the issue of detained Palestinian medical workers before US institutions and the public.
Dr. Abu Safiya has been held in Israeli custody since December 2024 without charge or trial under Israel's Unlawful Combatants Law. Israel’s Supreme Court upheld his latest detention order in June 2026, extending his detention at least until October. Amnesty International said he has been held in solitary confinement since June 3 and denied adequate healthcare.
M.N
