Detained Gaza doctor Hussam Abu Safiya nominated for European Parliament’s Sakharov human rights prize
Gaza — Dr Hussam Abu Safiya, the detained director of Gaza’s Kamal Adwan Hospital, has been nominated for the European Parliament’s 2026 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought.The European Parliament announced on 1 October 2026 that Dr Abu Safiya was among six candidates put forward by the Greens and The Left political groups for the…
Gaza — Dr Hussam Abu Safiya, the detained director of Gaza’s Kamal Adwan Hospital, has been nominated for the European Parliament’s 2026 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought.
The European Parliament announced on 1 October 2026 that Dr Abu Safiya was among six candidates put forward by the Greens and The Left political groups for the annual award, which recognises work in defence of human rights and fundamental freedoms.
A Palestinian paediatrician and former director of Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza, Dr Abu Safiya was taken into custody by Israeli forces in December 2024 and has remained in Israeli detention since. He is being held without charge or trial; Israel alleges links to Hamas, a claim denied by his lawyers and family.
Human rights organisations have expressed serious concern over his health, reports of solitary confinement, and alleged ill-treatment.
The European Parliament’s foreign affairs and development committees will vote on 19 October in Strasbourg to shortlist three finalists from the six nominees, with the winner expected to be announced on 22 October.
