Gaza doctor Abu Safiya given 'two spoonfuls of rice a day' in Israeli jail

A lawyer representing Palestinian Dr Hussam Abu Safiya has raised concerns over his deteriorating health and routine torture in Israeli detention, where inmates are given only two spoonfuls of rice a day.

In an interview with Arab48, published Thursday, lawyer Gheed Kassem said that the director of Kamal Adwan Hospital, located north of the Gaza Strip, had faced severe physical assault that resulted in bruising to his head, neck, rib cage, and back. 

When Dr Abu Safiya requested medical assistance for complications stemming from the beatings, including an irregular heartbeat, his request was denied.

Medical neglect and abuse in Israeli-run prisons have been well-documented, with such practices reportedly intensifying since the events of 7 October 2023.

In early May, the Palestinian Prisoners' Affairs Commission said that sick Palestinian detainees faced "deliberate and systematic medical neglect", alongside hunger and torture negatively affecting their health conditions.

Read more: Gaza doctor Abu Safiya given 'two spoonfuls of rice a day' in Israeli jail