AI Insight
This correspondence published in The Lancet reports on the detention and deteriorating health condition of Dr Hussam Abu Safiya, a paediatrician and hospital director in Gaza who has been held in Israel since December 2024. According to his lawyer's visit in July 2026, Dr Abu Safiya presents severe injuries consistent with physical assault, breathing difficulties, and repeated loss of consciousness, prompting calls for urgent medical intervention.
Why it matters
This case raises concerns about the medical care and treatment of detained healthcare workers during conflict. The detention of hospital directors during active humanitarian crises can compromise healthcare delivery to civilian populations in conflict zones.
Understand the Science
We write to urge immediate access to medical care for Dr Hussam Abu Safiya, a paediatrician and Director of Kamal Adwan Hospital in Gaza, who has been detained in Israel since December, 2024, following reports that his health has deteriorated.1 According to the Palestinian News & Information Agency WAFA,2 Dr Abu Safiya was seen by his lawyer Nasser Odeh on July 2, 2026, who documented severe injuries, signs of physical assault, breathing difficulties, and repeated episodes of loss of consciousness.
Source: [Correspondence] Medical emergency: urgent medical care for Dr Hussam Abu Safiya