A Call for Justice- The Urgent Need to Release Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya

A Call for Justice- The Urgent Need to Release Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya

Introduction

In war, the moral character of a nation is tested by its treatment of civilians, medical workers, and the vulnerable. The detention of Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya—Director of Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza—presents one such test. Arrested on 27 December 2024 during an Israeli military raid on his hospital, Dr. Abu Safiya has been held without formal charges under Israel’s Unlawful Combatants Law[1]. His continued imprisonment not only violates fundamental human rights but also breaches international humanitarian law, eroding Israel’s credibility as a democracy.

Who is Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya?

Dr. Abu Safiya is a respected pediatrician and hospital administrator who has spent years serving the people of Gaza, especially children in critical need. Colleagues and patients alike recall his tireless work—often under fire—during humanitarian crises[2].

The Arrest and Legal Concerns

On 27 December 2024, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) entered Kamal Adwan Hospital. According to Al Jazeera[3] and Anadolu Agency[4], multiple staff were detained, including Dr. Abu Safiya. Instead of being charged, he was classified as an “unlawful combatant”—a designation that allows indefinite detention without trial[5].

This contravenes Article 9 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which guarantees the right to liberty and protection from arbitrary detention[6].

Conditions of Detention

His lawyers report that Dr. Abu Safiya has been kept in solitary confinement, denied medical care, subjected to harsh interrogation, and held in inhumane conditions[7]. According to Sky News[8] and 972 Magazine[9], his health is deteriorating, and he has lost a significant amount of weight since his arrest.

Violations of International Humanitarian Law

The Fourth Geneva Convention (1949), Article 24, explicitly protects medical personnel “engaged exclusively in the search for, or the collection, transport or treatment of the wounded and sick… in all circumstances”[^10]. Detaining such personnel without clear evidence of direct participation in hostilities constitutes a breach of this protection.

Furthermore, UN Security Council Resolution 2286 (2016) condemns attacks and arbitrary detention of medical workers in conflict zones and calls upon all parties to ensure their protection[^11].

The Global Image of Israel at Stake

Israel often asserts that it upholds democratic values and the rule of law. However, the continued detention of a humanitarian doctor without due process undermines this claim. Public perception matters: international trust is built not on military might, but on the consistent application of justice.

Releasing Dr. Abu Safiya would not signal weakness—it would demonstrate moral leadership, compliance with international norms, and a willingness to reform.

A Call to Action

We respectfully urge:

1. The United Nations to launch an urgent inquiry through the Special Rapporteurs on the Right to Health and Arbitrary Detention, pressing for immediate release.

2. The United States Government to use its diplomatic influence to ensure Israel complies with its obligations under the Geneva Conventions.

3. The Government of Israel to free Dr. Abu Safiya as an act of humanitarian justice, signaling a commitment to medical neutrality and human rights.

Conclusion

History will remember whether justice was upheld in this case. Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya is not a combatant—he is a healer. His rightful place is in the hospital ward, caring for Gaza’s children, not in a prison cell. Releasing him would be a humanitarian act that strengthens Israel’s global standing and affirms the universal principle that doctors must heal without fear of persecution.

Syed Ali Raza Naqvi Bukhari

Unity of Peace, Economic Reform, and Global Unity

Founder & Chairman of Tehreek Istehkam Pakistan, and the author of “Law of God” and “Social Democratic System.” He advocates for truth, social justice, and reform in all sectors of society.

References

[1] Amnesty International. “Israel: Release Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya.” Amnesty.org, Jan 2025. Link

[2] Al Jazeera. “Who is Hussam Abu Safiya, Director of Key Gaza Hospital Detained by Israel?” AlJazeera.com, 29 Dec 2024. Link

[3]  Ibid.

[4] Anadolu Agency. “Israel Arrests Gaza Doctor Abu Safiya Under Unlawful Combatant Law.” AA.com.tr, 3 Jan 2025. Link

[5] Ibid.

[6] United Nations. “International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.” OHCHR.org. Link

[7] 972 Magazine. “Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya in Israeli Detention.” 972Mag.com, Feb 2025. Link

[8] Sky News. “Gazan Doctor Being Held in Inhumane Conditions in Israeli Jail.” SkyNews.com, 12 Feb 2025. Link

[9] Ibid.

[10] International Committee of the Red Cross. “Geneva Convention IV Relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War (1949).” Link

[11] United Nations Security Council. “Resolution 2286 (2016).” UN.org. Link