Yesterday, a lawyer on our behalf visited four physicians from Gaza currently detained at Ktzi’ot Prison: Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, Dr. Muhammad Ubaid, Dr. Murad Alkuka, and Dr. Akram Abu Odeh. All four are being held without charge. All four physicians reported that there has been no improvement in either the quality or quantity of the inadequate food provided in prison. One physician reported losing 35 kilograms (77 pounds) over the past two years. In recent months, the physicians have also reported being brought before court hearings during which their detention was extended indefinitely, despite no charges being filed against them. Two described hearings lasting only a few minutes and taking place without legal representation. They further stated that prison guards confiscate their mattresses every morning and return them only in the evening, forcing them to sit all day on the floor or on metal bed frames. Two of the physicians said they need glasses after prison guards confiscated their own, yet repeated requests for replacements have been ignored. Two others reported medical issues that remain untreated. The physicians also described recurring outbreaks of skin diseases among the prison population. Hygiene conditions remain dire. They are held in severe overcrowding, provided with only a single set of clothing that they are not able to wash, and denied access to cleaning supplies. Following our petition to the High Court of Justice demanding the physicians’ release from unlawful detention, the state said it would submit its response within two weeks. PHRI calls for the immediate withdrawal of the arrest warrants against these physicians, and urges local and international organizations to take action to secure their release, so they may return home and resume their life-saving work. #ReleaseThe14Doctors
