US lawmakers demand Israel release detained Palestinian doctor Hussam Abu Safia

Six progressive United States Representatives released a statement on Tuesday condemning Israel for abusing Palestinian healthcare workers. Al Jazeera reported that the statement highlighted the case of Hussam Abu Safia, a Palestinian doctor held by Israeli forces since 2024. The statement was signed by Representatives Rashida Tlaib, Ilhan Omar, Jesus Garcia, Summer Lee, Pramila Jayapal, and Delia Ramirez. [1]

Al Jazeera reported that progressive lawmakers sought to draw attention to Israeli attacks targeting and detaining Palestinian medical personnel during the military campaign in Gaza. The lawmakers called for the release of Abu Safia and criticized the treatment of healthcare staff during the conflict. [1]

Abu Safia is a Palestinian paediatrician and neonatologist who served as the director of Kamal Adwan Hospital in the Gaza Strip from February 2024 until December 2024. He was arrested by Israeli military forces when workers and patients were removed during the hospital siege. He has been detained without charge in Ofer Prison for over a year, where his health has declined significantly into critical condition following alleged repeated abuses. [2]