Palestinian doctor transferred to solitary confinement after 17 months without charge

A Palestinian doctor who directed a hospital in northern Gaza was moved into solitary confinement last month after more than 500 days in detention without formal charges. Dr Hussam Abu Safiya was detained at Kamal Adwan hospital on 27 December 2024. He has been held under an "unlawful combatant" classification that allows extended detention without trial.

Israel reported that Abu Safiya was transferred from Ketziot prison to the Ganot prison complex. A lawyer from the group learned of the move during a 4 June visit. His son stated that Abu Safiya is now held in a cell measuring roughly one metre by one metre. The son also said his father needs surgery to remove shrapnel from his thigh and has received no medical treatment for the injury.

Legal status and appeals Abu Safiya's lawyer filed an appeal for release on Thursday. Officials responded that proceedings under the unlawful combatants law are subject to a gag order and held in closed sessions. A group of UN experts called for his immediate release in March.

Fourteen Palestinian doctors from Gaza are currently held without charge under the same classification. The Israel Prison Service declined to comment on individual cases, stating that the reported conditions do not reflect its practices. The IDF did not respond to requests for comment on the detention.