Detained Gaza hospital director Abu Safiya suffers serious health deterioration following reports of torture and abuse

The Palestinian Prisoners’ Information Office said detained doctor Hossam Abu Safiya, director of Kamal Adwan Hospital, is facing extremely difficult health and humanitarian conditions in Israel’s Rakevet Prison after enduring severe and repeated abuse that left him with multiple injuries, including fractures to his rib cage.

In a statement, the office said Abu Safiya was subjected on 27 July to what it described as the most violent prison raid since his arrest, calling it “the hardest day of his life in prison.” It said detainees were beaten with batons, subjected to electric shocks, exposed to tear gas and rubber bullets, and attacked by police dogs.

The statement said Abu Safiya suffers from chronic heart disease and high blood pressure, as well as severe neck pain, a slipped disc, a hernia, vision problems, persistent dizziness and a rapid heartbeat. It added that the prison administration has only provided painkillers and blood pressure medication despite the seriousness of his condition.

The office also said Abu Safiya was violently assaulted immediately after being transferred to Rakevet Prison in June, resulting in a broken rib. It added that he spent 21 days in solitary confinement under harsh conditions.

The office held the Israeli authorities fully responsible for Abu Safiya’s life and called for urgent international action to secure his release and end what it described as violations against Palestinian prisoners.

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