UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese called on leaders from the European Union to pressure Israel to release Dr Hussam Abu Safiya. 

Taking to X, Albanese also called on the EU to intervene and free thousands of other Palestinian hostages held by Israel. 

Her call comes as Israel continues to hold Abu Safiya, a paediatrician and former director of the Kamal  Adwan Hospital, without charge. 

Earlier this year, Abu Safiya’s lawyer revealed that the 51-year-old Palestinian doctor faced severe torture in Israeli detention.