Hussam Abu Safiya was detained by Israeli forces from the Kamal Adwan Hospital in Gaza, and has since been beaten and interrogated [Screengrab/X]
Gaza’s prominent director of the Kamal Adwan Hospital is suffering from a serious eye injury as a result of being beaten in Israeli prison, his lawyer has revealed to local media.
According to lawyer Ghaid Qassem, Hussam Abu Safiya has been classified by Israeli authorities as an unlawful combatant but has not yet received any court trials.
Despite a global campaign calling for him to be released from Israeli prison, Israeli authorities have continued to interrogate Abu Safiya.
He has also been subjected to intense investigations, where he has faced psychological pressure and physical strain, his lawyer said.
In February, images of Abu Safiya surfaced of him shackled and handled by armed Israeli prison guards.
He was initially detained at gunpoint on 28 December, during an Israeli military incursion on the Kamal Adwan Hospital, along with 30 others, mainly medical staff and patients.
Prior to his arrest, Abu Safiya vowed to remain in the hospital and continue to treat patients, despite continued Israeli attacks and heavy bombardment.
Qassem confirmed that Abu Safiya was placed in solitary confinement for 25 days in the notorious Ofer Prison, with one of his interrogations lasting 13 days.
“Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya was physically, mentally, and psychologically exhausted in the Israeli prison Ofer Prison,” he said.
“Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya’s sole concern, from within his captivity, was about the medical staff in the Gaza Strip and the condition of the wounded and nurses,” he added.
The Israeli government’s treatment of Abu Safiya has drawn sharp criticism from international organisations, including the United Nations and various human rights groups, who have highlighted Israel’s systematic targeting of Gaza’s healthcare system.
Hospitals in Gaza have become frequent targets of Israeli bombardment, leaving the enclave’s civilian population without access to critical medical care.
Combined with Israel blocking off all aid to the Strip, civilians have been left without vital medicines, tools for tents and food.
