The family of the prominent Palestinian doctor Hussam Abu Safiya says his health has sharply deteriorated after more than 555 days in Israeli prisons. Dr. Abu Safiya had served as a pediatrician and director of the Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza until he was abducted by Israel in December of 2024. He’s been held without charge ever since. In a video message, Dr. Abu Safiya’s son Elyas says his father showed clear signs of torture and medical neglect during a recent meeting with his lawyer in which Dr. Abu Safiya described being beaten with a hammer.

Elyas Abu Safiya: “My father was unable to breathe. My father was unable to speak. His face was disfigured from the marks of torture and pain, especially after the last court session held in Jerusalem at the Supreme Court. … We still call out, plead and appeal and beg to all the free people of the world and to everyone with an atom of humanity in their heart, to save my father’s life before it’s too late.”

Palestinian officials say Israeli attacks have killed about 1,700 healthcare workers in Gaza since October 2023; at least 83 medical workers remain in Israeli prisons.