Gaza: The Israeli occupation army has placed Director of Kamal Adwan Hospital Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, under arrest based on the “Unlawful Combatant” law instead of a regular trial, following a decision issued by the so-called commander of the southern region.
According to Qatar News Agency, in a statement, Al Mezan Center for Human Rights said that the occupation’s decision was issued on February 12 and was communicated to Ashkelon Court and the Center’s lawyer on the day of the scheduled detention extension hearing on February 13. The center described the move as arbitrary, dangerous, illegal, and retaliatory, highlighting that it also reflects failure of the prosecution to substantiate its allegations against the detainee.
The center further emphasized that subjecting civilians, especially doctors, to such measures including torture that previously led to deaths and ill-treatment is unjustified. Despite the lack of any evidence implicating Abu Safiya in any wrongdoing, the occupation authorities have deprived him of his basic right to a fair trial by effectively turning him into a hostage. The center strongly condemned these arbitrary measures targeting Dr. Abu Safiya and other detainees held under the Unlawful Combatant law.
The human rights organization stressed that the treatment of Palestinian detainees, particularly since October 7, 2023, constitutes serious and systematic violations and crimes that strip them of their most fundamental human rights.
This decision follows a visit by the center’s lawyer to Dr. Abu Safiya in Ofer Prison on February 11, during which evidence of torture and mistreatment was uncovered.
The Unlawful Combatant law severely undermines fair trial guarantees, as it deprives detainees of the right to be informed of the charges against them, the right to challenge evidence, and the ability to defend themselves. The law stipulates that detainees must wait 45 days for their detention order to be confirmed by Beersheba District Court, with the possibility of extensions for six months at a time.
The occupation forces arrested Dr. Abu Safiya on December 27 while he was performing his duties at Kamal Adwan Hospital and denied him access to his lawyer for 47 days.