IPPNW urges Israel Medical Association to “lead with courage”

[The IPPNW Executive Committee has sent the following open letter to the leadership of the Israel Medical Association, regarding the treatment of Palestinians detained by Israel, with particular concern for the condition of Dr. Abu Safiya.]

14 July 2026
Professor Zion Hagay, President
Adv. Leah Wapnerm Chief Executive Officer
Israel Medical Association

Dear Prof Hagay and Adv. Wapnerm:

Since October 2023, Physicians for Human Rights–Israel (PHRI) has published extensive documentation alleging serious violations of medical ethics and the right to health in relation to Palestinians detained in Israeli prisons, military detention facilities, and civilian hospitals. These reports describe prolonged denial or delay of medical treatment, inadequate access to specialist care, treatment under conditions of prolonged restraint and blindfolding, failures to investigate suspected abuse, and ethical concerns surrounding the field hospital established at Sde Teiman.

One case has come to symbolize these wider concerns: Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, Director of Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza. He was detained by Israeli forces while carrying out his duties as a physician and hospital director and has remained in detention without formal criminal charges.

According to reports by his legal counsel, Physicians for Human Rights–Israel, Amnesty International, and United Nations experts, Dr. Abu Safiya’s health has deteriorated significantly during his detention. They report prolonged solitary confinement, severe weight loss, visible injuries consistent with physical abuse, deterioration of pre-existing medical conditions, and restricted access to adequate medical care. These organisations have expressed grave concern that he may have been subjected to torture or other cruel, inhuman, treatment. Regardless of the allegations against any individual, every detainee is entitled to due process, humane treatment, protection from torture, and timely access to appropriate medical care.

As Israel’s national medical association—and as a member of the World Medical Association—the Israel Medical Association bears a unique responsibility not only to represent physicians but also to safeguard the independence, integrity, and moral authority of the medical profession.

The World Medical Association’s Declaration of Tokyo states unequivocally that physicians must neither countenance, condone, nor participate in torture or other forms of cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment, regardless of the alleged offence or the circumstances, including armed conflict. It further calls upon National Medical Associations to support physicians who refuse to participate in such practices and to uphold these ethical principles without exception.

The Declaration of Geneva obliges physicians to place the health and dignity of every patient first. These obligations are universal. They do not change according to nationality, religion, ethnicity, political affiliation, or the allegations against a detainee.

History teaches us that medicine is judged not only by scientific excellence but also by its willingness to defend humanity when it is most vulnerable. Medical ethics matter most precisely during periods of war, fear, and polarization.

We therefore respectfully call upon the Israel Medical Association to:

• Publicly reaffirm that every detainee is entitled to medical care based solely on clinical need and in accordance with international medical ethics and humanitarian law.
• Support an independent and transparent review of the concerns raised regarding healthcare in Israeli detention facilities and civilian hospitals.
• Publicly advocate for the humane treatment, due process, access to independent legal counsel, and appropriate medical care of Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, as well as for all detained healthcare professionals.
• Call for the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and other independent humanitarian organisations to be granted immediate, regular, and unhindered access to all detention facilities, including those where Palestinian detainees are held, so that detention conditions, access to healthcare, and compliance with international humanitarian law can be independently monitored.
• Protect physicians who raise ethical concerns or refuse to participate in practices that may violate international medical standards.
• Reaffirm the professional obligation of physicians to document and report suspected torture or other forms of inhuman treatment in accordance with the Istanbul Protocol and World Medical Association standards.

This appeal is not an accusation against Israeli physicians as a whole. Many continue to provide compassionate care under extraordinarily difficult circumstances and deserve recognition for their professionalism and commitment to their patients.

Nor does this letter diminish the immense suffering experienced by Israelis following the atrocities of 7 October 2023, the continuing ordeal of the hostages, or the pain endured by their families. Every civilian life has equal value. Every victim deserves compassion, dignity, and protection under international law.

The Israel Medical Association has both the opportunity and the responsibility to demonstrate principled leadership by reaffirming that no conflict, however devastating, can justify abandoning the ethical foundations of medicine.

We sincerely hope that the Israel Medical Association will choose to lead with courage, transparency, and an unwavering commitment to the universal values that define our profession.

Respectfully on behalf of the IPPNW Executive Committee,
Dr. Ruth Mitchell, Board Chair (Australia)
Dr. Stella Zeigler, Deputy Board Chair (Germany)
Dr. Kati Juva, IPPNW Co-President (Finland)
Dr. Inga Blum, Co-President (Germany)
Dr. Olga Trushina, Co-President (Russia)
Dr. Knut Mork Skagen (Norway)
Dr. Ira Helfand (USA)