A Gaza-based rights group, the Al Mezan Center for Human Rights, has stated that the Ashkelon Magistrates’ Court has ordered another extension of the detention without charge of Hussam Abu Safia, director of Gaza’s Kamal Adwan Hospital, till February 13.
Announcing the extension, the organization said, “This is the second time his detention has been extended since his arrest.” Abu Safia was also denied access to a lawyer until January 22.
Abu Safia was arrested on December 27 during an Israeli raid on the medical facility in Beit Lahiya in northern Gaza. He was later believed to be held at the Sde Teiman military detention center, where human rights organizations have documented systematic torture against Palestinians.
Al Mezan said its lawyer has received indications that Abu Safia might now be in Ofer Prison in the occupied West Bank.
“The arbitrary detention of Dr. Abu Sifi and his colleagues reflects a more extensive pattern of systematic violations by the State of Israel aimed at the deliberate destruction of Gaza’s Healthcare System,” the statement said.