Caroline Davies

A lawyer for Gaza doctor Hussam Abu Safiya reported that his client had been severely beaten in Israeli custody, describing extensive bruising and a critical physical and psychological condition. Israel’s prison service denied all allegations. Abu Safiya, detained without charge for more than 18 months under the Unlawful Combatants Law, was previously the director of Kamal Adwan hospital. Human rights groups, the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, and WHO have raised concerns over his detention and alleged mistreatment, with petitions filed to Israel’s Supreme Court demanding his release along with other detained Gaza doctors. Israeli authorities maintain he is suspected of involvement with Hamas, a claim disputed by colleagues and aid groups.

A Palestinian doctor from Gaza, Hussam Abu Safiya, has allegedly been severely beaten while held without charge by Israeli authorities, according to his lawyer, who fears for his life. Israel’s Prison Service rejects the allegations. Abu Safiya, detained since December 2024 under the Unlawful Combatants Law, is accused by the IDF of involvement with Hamas, which his colleagues and aid groups deny. Human rights organizations and UN bodies have raised concerns about his treatment and broader patterns of alleged abuse of Palestinian detainees, calling for his urgent medical care and release.

CCTV footage shows an Israeli Border Police officer throwing a stun grenade into a car in the Qalandia refugee camp, prompting an internal investigation after police acknowledged the officer did not follow procedure. A separate incident in the same area resulted in the fatal shooting of a 16-year-old Palestinian and injuries to two other children. In another case, a four-month-old baby died after Israeli troops reportedly delayed his access to medical care, a claim disputed by the Israeli military. The events have intensified scrutiny of Israeli forces’ conduct in the occupied West Bank.