Urgent Appeal Summary – Geneva, December 30, 2024
Save Dr. Hussam Abu Safia from Torture in Israeli Prisons
Dr. Hussam Abu Safia, a Palestinian pediatric consultant and director of Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza, is at risk of dying under torture in Israeli detention. Born in 1973 in Jabalia, he has been a key figure in providing medical services to patients and the wounded during the ongoing crisis.
Incident Details:
November 23, 2024: Dr. Abu Safia was injured by shrapnel from an Israeli quadcopter attack while working in the hospital. The attack caused severe injuries to his thigh, including ruptured veins and arteries.
December 27, 2024: He was arrested along with dozens of medical staff by Israeli forces.
Torture Reports: Witnesses reported that he was stripped, severely beaten, and used as a human shield.
Context of Torture in Israeli Prisons:
Since October 7, 2023, more than 55 Palestinian prisoners, including doctors, have died under torture in Israeli detention.
Urgent Appeal:
The signatories call for the immediate intervention to secure the release of Dr. Abu Safia and his medical team to prevent further harm or death.
Supporting Organizations:
The appeal is supported by multiple international human rights and legal organizations, including:
International Union of Jurists (Geneva Office)
Geneva Centre for Democracy and Human Rights (Switzerland)
Lawyers for Palestine (Chile)
Foundation Solidarity International (Switzerland)
ICSPR and other European and international legal groups.
Contact Information:
Office: 41 22 760 02 04
Mobile: 41 79 246 57 03
Emails: ijugeneva@bluewin.ch / info@gcdhr.org