Over 800 UK medical workers urge government to act to save Dr Abu Safiya

More than 800 doctors, nurses and medical professionals in the UK  have signed an open letter to Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, calling for her urgent intervention to secure the release of Dr Hussam Abu Safiya, whose life is at risk after more than 550 days in Israeli captivity.

Abu Safiya is a Palestinian paediatrician and director of Gaza’s Kamal Adwan Hospital who rose to international prominence during Israel's genocide due to his role in helping victims.

He was abducted by Israel and has been held without charge or trial since 27 December 2024.

The letter, which was coordinated by Amnesty International UK and NHS campaign group Health Workers 4 Palestine, states: “We urge you to publicly and unequivocally demand his immediate release and use all economic, political, and diplomatic tools at your disposal to secure his release.”

It cites a visit to the Israeli detention facility by a lawyer for Physicians for Human Rights Israel (PHRI) on 2 July, who reported observing extensive bruising and marks of torture across Dr Abu Safiya’s head and body, leaving him weak and barely recognisable.

Read more: Over 800 UK medical workers urge government to act to save Dr Abu Safiya