Israeli Supreme Court Rejects Appeal for Release of Doctor Hussam Abu Safiya

SadaNews - The Israeli Supreme Court has rejected the appeal regarding the detention of doctor Hussam Abu Safiya and decided to maintain his detention under the "illegal combatant" law, without any charges being brought against him.

Doctor Abu Safiya's lawyer, Nasser Awda, stated that the court's decision contradicts international law principles and the Geneva Conventions, which stipulate the protection of medical personnel during armed conflicts.

He added that Abu Safiya is still held in solitary confinement inside Nafha Prison, under conditions he described as harsh, noting that he is deprived of necessary medical treatment and his legally guaranteed basic rights.

The Palestinian Center for the Defense of Prisoners condemned the Israeli court's decision to reject the appeal regarding the detention of doctor Abu Safiya, maintaining his detention under the so-called "illegal combatant law" without charges or an indictment against him.

The center affirmed that this decision constitutes a blatant violation of international humanitarian law rules and the Geneva Conventions, which ensure special protection for medical personnel during armed conflicts and prohibit targeting or arbitrarily detaining them while performing their humanitarian duties.

It pointed out that Abu Safiya remains in solitary confinement inside Nafha Prison, under harsh and degrading detention conditions, with the continued deprivation of necessary medical treatment and the most basic rights guaranteed to prisoners and detainees.

The center holds the occupying authorities fully responsible for his safety and life, calling for his immediate release and allowing him to receive the necessary medical care, and for an end to the policy of arbitrary detention against medical and humanitarian staff.

The center also urged international human rights organizations, including the International Committee of the Red Cross, the World Health Organization, and UN special rapporteurs, to urgently intervene to pressure for an end to his illegal detention and to ensure respect for the protections afforded to medical personnel under international law.