Battling scabies, Dr. Safiya sees sunlight only 30 minutes a month in jail: Lawyer

Gheed Kassem, the lawyer for Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, has raised serious concerns about the treatment of Dr. Abu Safiya and his nephew, Hussam Zaher, who are currently incarcerated in Israel’s Ofer Prison.

Kassem's visit on the morning of August 28 marked her eighth such trip to meet with the doctors, and the conditions she described are alarming.

In a stark revelation of the dire plight facing Palestinian detainees amid ongoing genocidal war, Kassem said both men are subjected to severe limitations, receiving just thirty minutes of sunlight each month.

She said they suffer from health issues, including scabies and boils, worsened by inadequate hygiene, as they are allowed just two minutes of bathing time and wear the same clothes for extended periods. Both have lost a third of their body weight and urgently need medical care for deteriorating skin conditions and infections.

Dr. Abu Safiya,  chief of Gaza’s Kamal Adwan Hospital, stated, “I entered in the name of humanity, and I will leave in the name of humanity. I was abducted from inside the hospital. We will remain on our land and continue to provide healthcare services, God willing, even from a tent.”

The treatment of Dr. Abu Safiya and Zaher highlights broader human rights concerns within the Israeli prison system, prompting calls for improved conditions for detainees. Kassem continues to advocate for their rights, stressing the need for external intervention as awareness grows regarding their critical situation.

Kassem's account reflects systematic neglect and health deterioration, leading human rights organizations to demand the immediate release of Dr. Abu Safiya and urgent medical intervention.

A pediatrician and neonatologist, Dr. Abu Safiya was abducted by Israeli forces on December 27, 2024, during a raid on Kamal Adwan Hospital, the last operational medical facility in northern Gaza at that time.

Despite a Kazakhstani passport and evacuation orders, he refused to abandon his patients, even after losing his 15-year-old son in an Israeli drone strike in October 2024.

Both men remain detained without formal charges under Israel's so-called administrative detention policy, which permits indefinite imprisonment without trial based on secret evidence. Kassem described witnessing conditions she equated to “torture and ill-treatment,” citing limited exposure to sunlight and rampant skin diseases.

Ofer Prison, located near Ramallah in the occupied West Bank, has faced longstanding criticism for overcrowding and substandard conditions. Reports from the Palestinian Commission of Detainees and Ex-Detainees Affairs highlight the denial of basic necessities and frequent violence, including beatings and solitary confinement.

Dr. Abu Safiya's case exemplifies the ongoing targeting of healthcare workers in Gaza, with over 1,000 medical personnel reported killed and hundreds detained since October 2023, according to UN and WHO data.

He became a symbol of resilience, expanding Kamal Adwan’s capacity despite bombardments. His detention has drawn international condemnation, with organizations like Amnesty International campaigning for his release.

Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, a ‘hero in scrubs’ saving lives amid genocidal war on Gaza

Despite losing his young son, sustaining severe injuries, and facing constant threats, Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya refused to abandon his hospital and patients in Gaza. Now his whereabouts are unknown.

Human rights groups, including Front Line Defenders, urge global intervention, citing violations of the Fourth Geneva Convention, which mandates humane treatment of detainees.

As of June 2025, Israel holds over 8,000 "security" inmates, including 3,562 under administrative detention, many from Gaza. Advocates warn that without accountability, these abuses will continue, exacerbating Gaza's already devastated health infrastructure.

The cases of Dr. Abu Safiya and Zaher underscore the urgent need for global pressure to end administrative detentions and ensure access to medical care for all prisoners.

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