Freedom for Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya!
Meeting with Jörg Walendy
Head of the Near/Middle East Division at the German Foreign Ministry
A delegation—consisting of Dr. Qassem Massri, who worked with Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya during a humanitarian mission in 2024; Katja Müller-Fahlbusch (Amnesty International); Dr. Laura Schlemmer (Medsolidar); Dr. Khaled Hamad (Chairman of the Palestinian Community in Germany and the European Alliance in defence of Palestinian Detainees); and Dr. Uwe Trieschmann (IPPNW)—was received on July 27, 2026, by Mr. Walendy, Head of the Middle East Division at the Federal Foreign Office.
At the outset, the delegation reaffirmed the purpose of their visit: According to a statement by Physicians for Human Rights Israel (PHRI), the life of Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya is in danger. A letter based on this, sent by four medical organizations to Foreign Minister Wadephul during his visit to Israel in early July, urged the Foreign Office to advocate for Dr. Abu Safiya and other unlawfully detained Palestinian healthcare workers. The delegation also highlighted the various international and German initiatives supporting Dr. Abu Safiya.
Mr. Walendy confirmed that the case is well-known and that they have raised it with Israeli counterparts on several occasions. However, he noted that the Israeli side has repeatedly reaffirmed the accusation that he is a Hamas fighter, a claim the Foreign Office cannot verify.
In response, Dr. Massri emphasized that he had witnessed Dr. Abu Safiya caring for patients 24/7. He argued that the photo showing him in a Hamas uniform proves nothing, as he worked in a facility under the Gaza Ministry of Health, and such attire is part of the dress code for official events. Furthermore, he stated that the alleged weapons depots under hospitals have never been proven by the Israeli side.
During Foreign Minister Wadephul’s brief visit to Israel for the NATO summit in Turkey, the discussion also addressed the continued alarming situation in Gaza, which must remain a focal point. Humanitarian workers require better access and more opportunities to import relief materials, such as motor oil to operate generators. It was made clear that any further escalation of the humanitarian situation would lead to serious disagreements within the European Union.
The Foreign Office’s primary work in talks with Israel remains pushing for improved humanitarian aid for Gaza and, regarding detainees, specifically demanding improved access for the International Committee of the Red Cross.
During the meeting, various points were raised:
* The continuous shifting of the "yellow line" in Gaza.
* The intensified attacks by settlers in the West Bank.
* The destruction of the healthcare system, including the destruction of hospitals and the killing of medical staff.
* The Knesset’s resolution to introduce the death penalty for Palestinians.
* Israel's disregard for international law and international humanitarian law.
* The system of apartheid in Israel.
The question was raised as to where the German government’s "red line" lies regarding its support for Israel's policies.
Regarding the delegation's accusations that the German government continues to provide backing to the Netanyahu administration within the European framework, Mr. Walendy stated that the current government has made support for Israel a foundation of its policy from the very beginning. He suggested that if one wishes to change this, they must address the parliamentarians.
In principle, he sees no other solution to the conflict than a two-state solution. He outlined the foundations of the German Foreign Office's policy toward Israel: first, Germany’s responsibility in the aftermath of the Shoah; second, reconciliation in the form of exchange; third, economic integration and cooperation in the fields of artificial intelligence, military innovation, and other economic sectors; and fourth, a partnership based on shared values.
Delegation members noted that time is running out for the Palestinians: the ongoing attacks make the realization of a Palestinian state increasingly difficult, and life itself is in danger for Palestinians, especially those in detention.
In conclusion, the delegation once again affirmed the importance of the German government taking action in the specific case of Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, given the danger to his life. Mr. Walendy assured them that he would take this into account.
June, 2026
Recent Postcard Initiative
Online petition for the immediate release of Dr. Abu Safiya (auf Deutsch and in English)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Freedom for Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya!
On Tuesday, June 16, 2026, the Israeli Supreme Court rejected the appeal of Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya who remains detained under the "unlawful combatant" law, despite no charges having been filed against him.The European Alliance maintains that this decision represents a blatant violation of international humanitarian law and the Geneva Conventions, which guarantee special protection for medical personnel during armed conflicts and prohibit their targeting or arbitrary detention while performing their humanitarian duties.
The European Alliance in Defence of Palestinian Detainees expresses its rejection and condemnation of the Israeli court's decision to deny Dr. Abu Safiya's appeal against his continued unlawful and arbitrary detention.
It is worth noting that Abu Safiya remains in solitary confinement inside Nafha Prison, under harsh conditions, deprived of necessary medical treatment and his basic legal rights. According to Amnesty International (Australia), “Recent images of Dr. Hussam Abu Safyia are shocking evidence of Israel's abuse against Palestinian detainees.” (https://www.facebook.com/AmnestyOz/posts/the-recent-images-of-dr-hussam-abu-safyia-are-shocking-evidence-of-israels-abuse/1433206242167949/)
The European Alliance asserts that the occupying authorities bear full responsibility for his safety and life, and calls for his immediate release and for him to be allowed to receive necessary medical care, as well as an end to the policy of arbitrary detention against any and all medical and humanitarian personnel.
The coalition also urges international human rights organizations, including the International Committee of the Red Cross, the World Health Organization, and UN special rapporteurs, to intervene and bring all possible diplomatic and legal pressure to end Dr. Safiya’s unlawful detention and to ensure respect for the protection afforded to medical personnel under international law.
The European Alliance in Defence of Palestinian Detainees
Brussels, June 16, 2026