UN expert calls on EU to pressure Israel for release of Dr Hussam Abu Safiya

UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese called on leaders from the European Union to pressure Israel to release Dr Hussam Abu Safiya.

Taking to X, Albanese also called on the EU to intervene and free thousands of other Palestinian hostages held by Israel.

Her call comes as Israel continues to hold Abu Safiya, a paediatrician and former director of the Kamal Adwan Hospital, without charge.

Earlier this year, Abu Safiya's lawyer revealed that the 51-year-old Palestinian doctor faced severe torture in Israeli detention.

I officially ask EU leaders @vonderleyen and @kajakallas what demarches they have taken to set free Dr AbuSafiya and the other THOUSANDS Palestinian hostages who, like the Israeli hostages, have the sacrosaint right to return home. https://t.co/KScqiLfuTQ
— Francesca Albanese, UN Special Rapporteur oPt (@FranceskAlbs) August 24, 2025