German lawmakers urge Israel to ensure humane treatment of Gaza medics

Nearly 50 lawmakers from Germany's ruling Social Democrats (SPD) and opposition Green and The Left parties have urged Israel to ensure humane treatment of Palestinian doctors from Gaza held in Israeli custody.

In an open letter to Israeli President Isaac Herzog, the lawmakers expressed "great concern" particularly over the detention of Hussam Abu Safiya, the former director of Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza.

Abu Safiya had been held by Israel without charge since late 2024, according to German news outlet Der Spiegel.

Unless credible and legally verifiable charges are presented, those affected must be released immediately, the lawmakers wrote in the letter seen by dpa. They also called for Abu Safiya and other detained doctors to receive medical care without delay, and demanded that the allegations against them be made public and reviewed under the rule of law.

The letter was initiated by lawmakers from the SPD parliamentary group, including its foreign policy spokesman Adis Ahmetović and foreign affairs expert Isabel Cademartori, Der Spiegel reported.

Among the 48 signatories are former SPD parliamentary leader Rolf Mützenich, Left Party lawmakers Gregor Gysi and Jan van Aken and Green Party lawmaker Claudia Roth.