Solitary Confinement and 13-Hour Interrogation: New Updates on Palestinian Doctor Hussam Abu Safiya’s Detention
Occupied Palestine (Quds News Network)- New updates have emerged regarding doctor Hussam Abu Safiya, who has been kidnapped by Israeli forces since December 28, 2024. Speaking to Al Jarmaq, his lawyer, Gheed Qassem, has provided disturbing details about his treatment and the conditions he has endured in Israeli custody.
Dr. Abu Safiya was kidnapped by Israeli forces after they besieged Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza. Since his detention, he has been subjected to severe mistreatment, including a serious eye injury caused by beatings from Israeli soldiers. He was interrogated five times, during which he faced both physical and psychological torture.
His lawyer revealed that Dr. Abu Safiya spent 25 days in solitary confinement at Ofer Prison. One of his interrogations lasted an exhausting 13 hours. Throughout his time in detention, he has been subjected to continuous torture, both mentally and physically.
During a recent visit, Dr. Abu Safiya inquired about his son who was killed by Israel, asking whether he had been buried and where. This reflects his ongoing concern for his family, especially after Israeli forces killed his child as part of an attempt to pressure him.
Israeli forces have labeled Dr. Abu Safiya an “unlawful combatant,” despite failing to charge him with any crime. Al-Mezan Center for Human Rights condemned his arrest as arbitrary, illegal, and a violation of his right to a fair trial.
Last month, Israeli Channel 13 aired a report that included footage of Dr. Abu Safiya inside an Israeli detention center. In the video, Dr. Abu Safiya appears exhausted, bruised, and shackled. He was questioned in English, a language he does not speak fluently, which raised concerns that the interview was conducted under duress. Dr. Abu Safiya hesitated when asked about his marital status and children, likely due to the trauma inflicted by the killing of his son.
Despite the brutal treatment, Dr. Abu Safiya’s main concern in detention remains the well-being of medical staff and wounded civilians in Gaza, according to his lawyer.
