Munir al-Bursh, director-general of Gaza’s Health Ministry, has expressed grave concern over the health and safety of Palestinian doctor Hussam Abu Safiya, following reports that he was repeatedly assaulted and seriously injured while in Israeli detention.

Al-Bursh warned that Abu Safiya’s continued detention without adequate medical examinations or appropriate healthcare has raised serious concerns about his condition. He called for urgent measures to protect the doctor’s life, stressing that immediate action is needed rather than statements or promises.

Al-Bursh held the Israeli prison authorities fully responsible for Abu Safiya’s health and safety and demanded that the detained doctor be granted an urgent and independent medical examination, access to appropriate medical treatment, and protection from torture and other forms of ill-treatment.

He also called on international and human rights organizations to make every effort to gain access to Abu Safiya and independently assess both his medical condition and the circumstances of his detention.

In particular, al-Bursh appealed to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations to take immediate and effective steps to protect Abu Safiya and ensure his safety.

Abu Safiya Reportedly in Critical Condition

Abu Safiya, the former director of Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza, was detained by Israeli forces in December 2024 following an Israeli military raid on the hospital. Since then, he has been transferred between several detention facilities, including Ketziot (Negev) and Ganot prisons.

In late June 2026, Abu Safiya was reportedly transferred to the high-security underground Rakevet wing, part of the Nitzan/Ayalon prison complex in Ramla.

According to his legal representatives and rights organizations, his physical condition has deteriorated significantly during his detention. Reports issued in July and August said he was suffering from serious health complications and physical injuries allegedly sustained while in custody.

Human rights organizations and his legal team have continued to petition Israeli courts seeking his release and demanding that an independent physician be allowed to examine him.

The organizations have argued that an independent medical assessment is urgently needed to determine the extent of his injuries and health problems and to establish whether he is receiving adequate medical care.

Calls for International Intervention

The growing concern over Abu Safiya’s condition has prompted renewed calls for international intervention. Al-Bursh urged international organizations not to limit their response to statements, but to take concrete measures to secure access to the detained doctor and safeguard his health.

The Gaza Health Ministry chief stressed that Abu Safiya’s case requires immediate attention given the reports concerning his physical condition and the alleged lack of adequate medical care.

Rights groups continue to call for transparency regarding his detention conditions and for independent medical access, while demanding that authorities ensure his protection from further harm and provide any treatment required by his condition.

The case has become part of broader international concern over the treatment of Palestinian medical personnel detained during the Gaza war, with rights organizations repeatedly calling for greater accountability and independent monitoring of detention facilities. (ILKHA)