US Lawmakers Urge Israel to Release Detained Gaza Doctor Hussam Abu Safia

Six progressive members of the United States Congress have called on Israel to release Palestinian doctor Hussam Abu Safia, who has been detained since December 2024.

The lawmakers, including Representatives Rashida Tlaib, Ilhan Omar, Jesus “Chuy” Garcia, Summer Lee, Pramila Jayapal and Delia Ramirez, issued a statement condemning what they described as the abuse and detention of Palestinian healthcare workers.

They said Israel’s military actions in Gaza had severely damaged the Palestinian healthcare system, alleging that at least 1,700 doctors, nurses, paramedics and other healthcare workers had been killed and dozens of hospitals destroyed.

The lawmakers also said hundreds of Palestinian healthcare workers had been arrested or detained, including at least 16 doctors who remain in custody.

Abu Safia, who served as a doctor at Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza, was arrested by Israeli forces in December 2024 after reportedly refusing to evacuate the hospital with other medical workers.

According to his lawyers, the doctor has been subjected to torture, sleep deprivation and beatings while in detention. No charges have been filed against him, and he has not been put on trial.

The US lawmakers described his continued detention as part of what they called a broader policy targeting Palestinian healthcare workers and the healthcare system in Gaza.

Israeli authorities have maintained that attacks on hospitals and medical facilities are aimed at Palestinian armed groups, which they accuse of using such locations for military activities.

However, rights organisations and other groups have disputed some of Israel’s claims.

The lawmakers called for Abu Safia’s immediate release and renewed attention to the treatment of Palestinian medical workers held by Israel.

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