A well-known Palestinian physician seized by Israeli forces in Gaza towards the end of 2024 and detained since then made an appearance via video at a High Court session in Jerusalem on Wednesday.

Hussam Abu Safiya looked thinner in the video feed following his capture at a Gaza medical facility. Reporters were permitted entry to the court briefly prior to being asked to leave once the session commenced.

His sibling noted in April that through legal counsel the family discovered he had shed 40 kilograms during incarceration and sustained multiple rib fractures along with additional health issues. An Israeli advocacy organization indicated that Abu Safiya is part of several Gazan medical professionals detained by Israel who have not received sufficient nourishment.

The Israel Prison Service has rejected these claims.

The High Court reviewed an appeal by his attorney Nasser Odeh against the detention order. A ruling is anticipated later in the day.

According to Physicians for Human Rights Israel Abu Safiya has been held without formal charges for over 500 days. This court appearance marks the first public sighting since February 2025 per the group announcement.

IDF Provides No Evidence Supporting Hamas Claim

Abu Safiya was taken by the IDF from Kamal Adwan Hospital in Beit Lahiya northern Gaza and faces accusations of Hamas membership.

Gaza health authorities under Hamas control and the group itself have rejected the claim.

After the hearing Odeh told reporters his client remained handcuffed and shackled during proceedings and is kept in solitary confinement.

Odeh further stated that Abu Safiya receives no medical treatment for severe neck and back pain from an alleged assault in detention or for a chronic condition.

Abu Safiya also had his eyeglasses taken away leading to vision difficulties while his hands show signs of a skin condition reported as common among Palestinian detainees in Israeli facilities.

IPS did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Abu Safiya treatment in detention.

Palestinian Doctors Reportedly Denied Medical Care and Food Rights Group Claims

During the hearing Abu Safiya appeared handcuffed in a white t-shirt and grey tracksuit pants standard attire for Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails.

Abu Safiya is one of 14 Palestinian doctors seized in Gaza by the IDF and held for over a year without charge.

PHRI in April urged their release stating they had been denied proper medical care and food while facing physical abuse in detention.

IPS at the time rejected all allegations of mistreatment of the doctors in prison.