Top UN Experts Demand Israel Release Gaza Doctor Facing Torture

Top UN human rights experts are urgently calling on Israel to immediately release a Palestinian doctor from Gaza who they say is being systematically denied medical treatment while in Israeli detention and facing reports of severe torture.

Dr. Hussam Abu Safia, a 44-year-old physician, was arrested by Israeli authorities in November 2022 and has been held without charge or trial since then. UN Special Rapporteurs have raised serious concerns about his deteriorating health and the lack of adequate medical care being provided to him.

In a statement, the UN experts said Dr. Abu Safia is being subjected to "severe torture" and "inhumane and degrading treatment" during his interrogation and detention. They warned that his life is in immediate danger if he does not receive proper medical attention soon.

"The allegations of torture and ill-treatment, and the denial of access to adequate medical care, are extremely alarming," said the UN experts. "We call on the Israeli authorities to immediately release Dr. Abu Safia and to ensure that he receives the necessary medical treatment without further delay."

According to the UN, Dr. Abu Safia was arrested by the Israeli military on November 23, 2022, while on his way to work at the al-Shifa hospital in Gaza. He has been held in detention without charge or trial ever since.

The UN experts said they have received reports that during his interrogation, Dr. Abu Safia was subjected to various forms of torture, including beatings, sleep deprivation, and being forced into stress positions. They also said he has been denied access to his lawyer and family members.

"We are deeply concerned about Dr. Abu Safia's physical and mental health, which appears to be rapidly deteriorating due to the torture and ill-treatment he is facing," the UN experts stated. "His life is in immediate danger if he does not receive the necessary medical treatment without further delay."

The case of Dr. Abu Safia has drawn widespread international condemnation, with human rights groups and medical associations calling for his immediate release. The UN experts have urged the Israeli government to respect its obligations under international law and ensure Dr. Abu Safia's safety and well-being.

In conclusion, the UN's Special Rapporteurs have issued a strong rebuke of Israel's treatment of Dr. Hussam Abu Safia, a Palestinian doctor from Gaza who they say is being tortured and denied critical medical care while in Israeli detention. The experts have called for his immediate release and for Israel to uphold its international human rights obligations.