Detained Gaza hospital director Abu Safiya nominated for EU human rights prize

BRUSSELS (MNTV) — 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 parliament announced Thursday.

Abu Safiya was nominated by the Greens and The Left political groups. He is among six candidates for the annual prize, which recognizes individuals and organizations for their work defending human rights and fundamental freedoms.

A Palestinian pediatrician who headed Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza, Abu Safiya has been held in Israeli custody since Israeli forces detained him in December 2024.

He has been held without charge or trial. Israeli authorities have alleged that Abu Safiya is affiliated with Hamas, an accusation denied by his family and lawyers.

Human rights groups have also raised concerns about his health and treatment in Israeli custody.

The European Parliament’s Foreign Affairs and Development committees are scheduled to select three finalists on Oct. 19 in Strasbourg. The winner is expected to be chosen on Oct. 22.

Other nominees include the International Criminal Court and its officials, nominated by the Socialists and Democrats, and Tanzanian opposition figure Tundu Lissu, nominated by the European People’s Party and European Conservatives and Reformists.

El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele was nominated by the Europe of Sovereign Nations group.

Iranian activists Taraneh and Romina Rahimi were nominated by Patriots for Europe, while Renew Europe nominated Standing Together, an Israeli Jewish-Palestinian grassroots movement.