Lawyer says detained Gaza doctor was severely beaten in Israeli jail

Lawyer says detained Gaza doctor was severely – According to Nasser Odeh, the legal representative of Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, a prominent Palestinian physician from Gaza, his client was in such a deteriorated condition after being held by Israeli authorities that he could barely be identified. Odeh shared this account with the BBC during a recent visit to the Rakefet interrogation center, a facility notorious for its harsh treatment of detainees. He described how Abu Safiya, who has been in custody without formal charges for more than 18 months, was subjected to brutal force, leaving visible signs of abuse on his body.

Lawyer’s Account of Physical and Psychological Toll

Odeh recounted that during their meeting last Thursday, Abu Safiya’s condition was alarming. “He nearly lost consciousness several times,” the lawyer said, emphasizing the severe physical toll the detainee had endured. He explained that Abu Safiya described being beaten by multiple prison guards following a court hearing in Jerusalem where his detention was challenged. “He told us that he was subjected to severe violence inside the prison, especially on the day of the visit,” Odeh added. The lawyer also noted that the doctor had not received any medical attention since his arrest, exacerbating his exhaustion and difficulty breathing.

“I had difficulty recognising his features. Bruises covered his face, around his eyes, on his neck, and on his ears. Signs of beatings and torture were clearly visible on his face. He was exhausted and unable to breathe, in a difficult physical, psychological, and mental state.”

Abu Safiya reportedly told Odeh, “I’m living in hell. The mind can’t imagine what I go through every day. I think someone has decided to kill me.” Despite the grim state of his client, Odeh expressed hope that Abu Safiya would soon be released. “His place is outside prison, his place is in the hospital,” he said, citing the urgent need for medical care.

Legal and Human Rights Context

The Israel Prison Service (IPS) has dismissed the claims of abuse as false, stating that they lack factual basis. In a statement to the BBC, the IPS asserted that all detainees are held in accordance with legal procedures and receive medical treatment as per health ministry guidelines. It also denied allegations of torture, starvation, or denial of medical care. However, the IPS did not specify Abu Safiya’s current detention status or location, citing privacy and security concerns.

Abu Safiya’s case is part of a broader legal petition submitted to Israel’s Supreme Court, which has ordered the government to respond by Tuesday. The petition seeks the release of Abu Safiya and 13 other Palestinian doctors detained without charge in Israeli custody. This comes amid growing international scrutiny of the treatment of Palestinian prisoners, particularly in light of recent reports from the United Nations and human rights organizations.

Background of Detention and Role in Gaza

Abu Safiya, who served as the director of Kamal Adwan hospital in northern Gaza, was detained in December 2024. At the time, Israeli forces labeled the hospital a “Hamas terrorist stronghold” and ordered patients and staff to evacuate. The World Health Organization had previously called for an end to attacks on medical facilities in Gaza, highlighting the critical role these institutions play during conflicts.

Images from the detention process show Abu Safiya walking toward an Israeli armored vehicle in his white doctor’s coat, surrounded by rubble. The IDF confirmed his apprehension, stating he was suspected of involvement in terrorist activities and for holding a rank in Hamas. Abu Safiya was part of the health department within Gaza’s Hamas-run interior ministry, where he provided medical care to security personnel and their families. However, medical professionals and aid groups working with him assert that he did not collaborate with or support Hamas during his time in the hospital.

International Concerns Over Treatment in Israeli Jails

The treatment of Palestinian detainees in Israeli prisons has drawn severe criticism from international bodies. In November 2025, the United Nations Committee against Torture expressed deep concern over reports of a “de facto state policy of organised and widespread torture and ill treatment” affecting Palestinian prisoners. The same month, Physicians for Human Rights Israel (PHRI) reported that at least 94 detainees had died in Israeli custody in less than two years, underscoring the systemic risks faced by those held without trial.

Odeh’s account aligns with these broader concerns, painting a picture of systematic abuse. He described how Abu Safiya was beaten with hands, batons, and hammers after the recent court appeal, leaving him in a state of severe distress. The lawyer’s detailed description of the doctor’s injuries and emotional state has fueled calls for accountability, even as the IPS maintains its stance of compliance with legal standards.

Continued Advocacy and Legal Battles

Despite the IPS’s rebuttal, advocacy groups have continued to push for action on Abu Safiya’s case. Odeh noted that his client had not lost hope, stating, “I hope to see him soon out of prison.” However, he also shared a poignant moment from their last meeting, where Abu Safiya said, “Thank you Nasser, but I think it will be the last time we will meet.” This remark highlights the uncertainty surrounding his future and the growing anxiety among his supporters.

Abu Safiya’s detention has become a symbol of the broader conflict between Israel and Gaza. His role as a medical leader during the “near total siege” of northern Gaza, as described by the UN, underscores the importance of his presence in the region. The military’s justification for his arrest—labeling him as a security threat—has sparked debates about the balance between national security and human rights. Advocates argue that prolonged detention without charge violates international legal norms, while the government maintains that it is acting within its authority.

The ongoing legal battle for Abu Safiya’s release reflects the tensions within the Israeli judicial system. While the Supreme Court has mandated a response to the petition, the final decision rests with the government. Odeh’s detailed report adds weight to the arguments that the detention of medical professionals is not just a legal issue but a humanitarian one. As the world watches, the case serves as a focal point for discussions on the treatment of Palestinian detainees and the impact of prolonged imprisonment on their health and well-being.