Rights group raises concerns about jailed Dr Abu Safia amid strikes on Gaza

Physicians for Human Rights Israel says the arbitrary detention of Gaza doctors violates individual rights, undermines healthcare system. An Israeli rights group has accused Israeli authorities of ignoring the deteriorating health of Dr Hussam Abu Safia , the jailed director of Gaza’s Kamal Adwan Hospital, as the Israeli army continues to launch attacks on the Strip.

It comes as two Israeli courts rejected petitions on Wednesday seeking to release 14 doctors from Gaza imprisoned without charge, and to allow Abu Safia to receive an independent medical examination. The reviewer, Amit Tirosh, was not permitted to examine Abu Safia in person.

He disputed an Israeli court’s finding that high blood pressure was his only medical problem, writing that the ruling “does not line up with the data”. “Not only has he been deprived of his freedom without trial, but he is also being denied his basic right to an independent medical examination,” PHRI’s Naji Abbas said.