Israeli torture of detained doctor is a war crime: Hamas official

Dr.Basem Naim, a senior Hamas leader and former Palestinian health minister, has condemned Israel’s treatment of detained Gaza physician Dr Hossam Abu Safiya, calling it a “brutal and systematic violation” of human rights.

"Reports indicate Dr Abu Safiya has been subjected to severe physical and psychological torture, prolonged solitary confinement, and relentless interrogations—some lasting up to 13 days," Naim said, adding that such treatment violates the Geneva Conventions, which protect medical personnel in conflict zones.

The detained paediatrician reportedly suffered a serious eye injury from an assault by Israeli forces and was deliberately kept unaware of his son’s death. Naim denounced this as "psychological warfare" and a form of collective punishment.

Hamas is calling on the international community to intervene, demanding the immediate release of Dr Abu Safiya and other Palestinian detainees, as well as accountability for what it calls "crimes against humanity" targeting medical personnel.