Israeli court upholds 6-month detention of Dr Abu Safiya

An Israeli court yesterday upheld the six-month detention of Dr Hossam Abu Safiya, director of the Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza.

According to the Prisoners’ Media Office, the Beersheba court confirmed the detention order, classifying Abu Safiya as an “unlawful combatant”.

During the hearing, the Israeli prosecutor for the southern district presented a confidential file to the court, claiming that Abu Safiya posed a threat to Israel’s security. However, a lawyer from the Al Mezan Centre for Human Rights, representing Abu Safiya, argued for his innocence, asserting that he was solely engaged in providing medical and administrative services at Kamal Adwan Hospital. The lawyer requested access to the confidential materials, but the prosecution refused, and the court upheld this decision.

On 12 February 2025, the Israeli military commander for the southern region issued an order detaining Abu Safiya under the “Unlawful Combatants Law” instead of proceeding with a regular trial. Under this law, the detention order required confirmation by the Beersheba Central Court within 45 days.

Israeli occupation forces detained Dr Abu Safiya on 27 December after they forcibly vacated the Kamal Adwan Hospital during a military operation in northern Gaza.

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