Human-rights groups, medical associations and regional governments across Latin America and the Caribbean joined a mounting campaign Saturday calling for the immediate and unconditional release of Dr. Iyad Abu Safiya, a Palestinian physician and hospital director who has been held in administrative detention by Israeli authorities since early December.
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“Saving lives is not a crime,” read banners outside the Venezuelan Foreign Ministry, where activists collected signatures for a petition to the International Committee of the Red Cross. “A doctor under fire while wearing a white coat must never become a military target,” protesters chanted.
According to the Gaza Health Ministry, Abu Safiya was arrested during an Israeli raid on al-Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza City, where he had been coordinating emergency surgeries amid severe shortages of fuel, blood and anesthesia.
A small group of protesters have gathered in front of Mt Sinai to bring attention to the bring attention to Palestinians doctor held hostage by israelis in torture camps. One of them being Hussam Abu Safiya who was abducted from gaza 1 year ago pic.twitter.com/ex1vQG9Ydg
— Ali (@MerruX) December 27, 2025
According to the doctor’s lawyer, Ghaid Qassem, and various human rights organizations, Safiya has been transferred multiple times between the Sde Teiman detention centers—known for allegations of systematic torture—and the Ofer prison.
Recent reports from Amnesty International and legal visits have documented a worrying clinical picture that includes significant weight loss and serious skin conditions, weeks of solitary confinement, inadequate food, and lack of access to adequate treatment for complications arising during his captivity.
Despite the fact that his name has appeared on lists for possible prisoner exchanges and ceasefire discussions, Israeli courts extended his detention last October under the category of “illegal combatant,” of which they have shown no proof. This provision allows people to be held in custody without formal charges being brought before a judge.
Social-media campaigns under the hashtag #FreeAbuSafiya trended worldwide Saturday, with medical students in Chile, Colombia and Mexico posting photos in white coats and surgical masks, and Cuban doctors who served in Gaza recalling Abu Safiya’s collaboration during previous Israeli offensives.
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