Kathmandu— More than 40 US lawmakers are calling on the Trump administration to intervene in the case of Sama Safi, a 20-year-old American citizen detained by Israeli forces in the occupied West Bank nearly three months ago. The legislators warned that Safi’s health is rapidly deteriorating while in custody and have requested Secretary of State Marco Rubio “use every tool at his disposal” to secure her release, citing concerns over inhumane conditions and a lack of access to necessary medical care. Safi was abducted during a predawn raid as part of an Israeli crackdown on anti-occupation activism, and has been held without charge despite suffering from a chronic medical condition. The appeal comes amid increasing scrutiny of US aid to Israel following reports of abuses against Palestinian detainees.

Growing Congressional Concern

The letter urging action was led by Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib and signed by six US senators, including Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders, alongside dozens of members of the House of Representatives. Lawmakers expressed alarm that Safi’s life is “at risk on your watch,” emphasizing the urgency of providing her with medical attention and returning her to her family and studies. They highlighted that she has been moved between several facilities and describes experiencing repeated verbal abuse, painful stress positions, and unsanitary conditions including infectious skin disease and rodent infestations.

Pattern of Detentions and Alleged Abuses

Safi’s detention is not an isolated incident; US citizens have previously been detained by Israel without due process. Last year, American teenager Mohammed Ibrahim was held for nine months before being released following pressure from US lawmakers, with his family fearing he would die from malnutrition and mistreatment. The letter to Rubio also notes the deaths of several other US citizens at the hands of Israeli forces or settlers in recent years, none of which have resulted in criminal charges. Rights groups have documented widespread abuses against Palestinian detainees, including torture and sexual violence, with a UN special rapporteur on torture reporting that emergency measures implemented after October 7th have exacerbated these issues.

Calls for Aid Suspension

Advocacy director at the US-based rights group DAWN, Raed Jarrar, argues Safi’s detention warrants suspending American military aid to Israel. He points to regulations like the Leahy Law and the Foreign Assistance Act, which prohibit providing assistance to security forces implicated in human rights violations. “Sama Safi is an American citizen. Her own government has abandoned her,” Jarrar stated. “The State Department’s job is to fight for her release, and it is refusing to do that job. US law demands more than advocacy.” Israel has received approximately $25 billion in US military aid since the start of the war on Gaza.

State Department Response

The State Department stated that assisting Americans abroad is its “highest priority” and confirmed awareness of Safi’s detention, adding they are tracking the situation. A spokesperson declined to comment on specifics due to privacy concerns but said the administration advocates for access to medical care, proper treatment, and consular visits. The Israeli government has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding Safi's case. In a statement to WMNF radio, the Israeli military described Safi and other detained women as suspects promoting “hostile terrorist activity.”

As of publication, the State Department had not publicly announced any specific actions taken in response to the lawmakers’ letter, and Israel has yet to comment on the allegations. The situation remains critical as concerns grow for Safi's health and well-being.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.