Kathmandu— Jailed Palestinian doctor Hussam Abu Safia continues to face severe mistreatment and torture under Israeli detention, according to his lawyer. Israel abducted Abu Safia on December 27, 2024, from the Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza for defying orders to evacuate the hospital. The latest testimony conveyed by his lawyer highlights ongoing physical abuse and deprivation of sleep inside Nitzan Prison.

Latest Testimony

Abu Safia’s latest testimony, conveyed by his lawyer Nasser Odeh on August 30, indicates that Israeli prison guards continue to beat him, deprive him of sleep through loudspeakers and other noise throughout the night, and threaten him against sharing details of his detention with his legal representatives. Guards assault the doctor by punching, kicking, and beating him with batons across sensitive areas.

History of Abuse

Rights groups and Abu Safia’s family have long reported signs of regular torture during his detention. Held in solitary confinement at the underground Rakefet facility within Nitzan Prison, he has been subjected to daily violence and beatings. In July, PHRI noted that Abu Safia had “fresh and serious bruises on his head, around his eyes, on his ears, and on his neck,” making it difficult for his lawyer to recognize him.

International Response

The United Nations Independent International Commission of Inquiry has called for Israel to immediately release Abu Safia and provide him with independent medical care. Leading human rights organizations such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have also petitioned for his release, citing ongoing torture in Israeli custody.

Broader Context

The UN commission's report found that the reported conduct towards Abu Safia reflects a broader pattern of violations against Palestinian detainees. Israel’s policy of arbitrary detention and torture has reportedly killed at least 105 people since October 2023, with Palestinians facing widespread abuse including routine beatings, starvation, and sexual assault.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.