The lawyer representing Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, a prominent Palestinian physician from Gaza who has been held by Israeli authorities for more than 18 months without formal charges, says he fears for his client's life following a recent prison visit.

Attorney Nasser Odeh told the BBC that when he met Abu Safiya at the Rakefet detention facility, he struggled to recognize him because of what he described as extensive bruising and signs of physical abuse.

According to the lawyer, his client appeared physically exhausted and psychologically distressed and claimed he had been subjected to repeated violence while in detention.

Lawyer Alleges Severe Abuse Inside Israeli Detention Facility

According to Odeh, Dr. Abu Safiya said he was assaulted by multiple prison guards after attending a hearing related to his detention.

The lawyer alleged that his client reported being beaten with hands, batons, and hammers and stated that he had not received medical treatment following the incident.

Odeh further claimed that Abu Safiya appeared unable to breathe comfortably and displayed bruises on his face, neck, ears, and around his eyes.

These allegations have not been independently verified.

Israel Prison Service Rejects Allegations

In response to the claims, the Israel Prison Service (IPS) denied the allegations made by Abu Safiya's lawyer.

The agency told the BBC that:

• The allegations are "false and without factual basis."

• All detainees are treated according to Israeli law.

• Medical care is provided in accordance with Ministry of Health guidelines.

• Claims of torture, abuse, starvation, or denial of medical treatment are rejected.

The IPS said it could not provide additional information regarding the doctor's detention status or medical condition because of privacy and security considerations.

Israel's Supreme Court Reviewing Detention Case

Israel's Supreme Court has instructed the government to respond to a legal petition requesting the release of Dr. Abu Safiya and 13 other Palestinian doctors from Gaza who are currently being held without formal charges.

The petition argues that the continued detention raises serious legal and humanitarian concerns.

The court is expected to review the government's response before determining the next steps.

Why Was Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya Detained?

Dr. Abu Safiya previously served as the director of Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza.

He was detained in December 2024 after Israeli forces evacuated the hospital during military operations.

At the time, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that the hospital had been used as a Hamas operational center and said Abu Safiya was detained on suspicion of involvement in terrorist-related activities.

The IDF also stated that Abu Safiya held the rank of colonel within the health department of Gaza's Hamas-run Interior Ministry.

However, colleagues, humanitarian organizations, and medical workers who worked alongside him have disputed allegations that he actively cooperated with Hamas.

Detention Under Israel's Unlawful Combatants Law

Dr. Abu Safiya is currently being held under Israel's Unlawful Combatants Law, legislation that allows authorities to detain individuals from Gaza considered security risks without filing formal criminal charges for extended periods.

Human rights organizations have repeatedly raised concerns about the use of this law and the length of detention without trial.

Israeli authorities maintain that the law is necessary for national security.

Human Rights Organizations Express Concern

Several international organizations have voiced concern over Abu Safiya's detention.

Among them:

• Amnesty International described reports regarding his condition as deeply concerning.

• Physicians for Human Rights Israel (PHRI) has called for his immediate transfer to receive medical treatment and access to judicial review.

• The United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention recently issued an opinion describing his detention as arbitrary and called for his release.

The UN experts also stated that the case could reflect broader concerns regarding detention practices during the ongoing conflict.

Israel has not accepted those findings.

Ongoing Debate Over Treatment of Detainees

The treatment of Palestinian detainees remains an issue of international scrutiny.

Human rights organizations have previously accused Israeli detention authorities of mistreatment and inadequate medical care for prisoners.

Israeli officials have consistently denied allegations of systematic abuse, stating that detention facilities operate under domestic law and international obligations.

The differing accounts continue to be the subject of legal proceedings and international attention.

What Happens Next?

Several developments are expected in the coming weeks:

• Israel's Supreme Court will review the government's response to the petition.

• Human rights organizations are expected to continue monitoring the case.

• International attention remains focused on detention conditions and access to medical care.

• Israeli authorities have reiterated that they reject allegations of abuse.

The outcome of the legal proceedings could have broader implications for the detention of medical personnel during armed conflict.

Key Takeaways

• Lawyer Nasser Odeh alleges that detained Gaza doctor Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya was severely beaten in Israeli custody.

• The Israel Prison Service strongly denies the allegations.

• Abu Safiya has been held without formal charges since December 2024 under Israel's Unlawful Combatants Law.

• Israel's Supreme Court is reviewing a petition seeking his release along with 13 other Palestinian doctors.

• Human rights organizations and UN experts have expressed concern over his detention, while Israeli authorities maintain their actions comply with the law.