The Israeli Supreme Court on Sunday ordered the Israeli government to submit a response by next Tuesday to a petition filed by the Physicians for Human Rights Israel (PHRI) that demanded the release of 14 doctors from Gaza.
While this petition was filed in late April, the Israeli government has repeatedly requested a postponement to submit a response to the rights group – which was accepted by the court each time.
The latest decision came after the government attempted to submit yet another extension.
Amongst the concerns raised by PHRI include the deteriorating health condition of Palestinian doctor Hussam Abu Safiya, following warnings about the imminent danger to his life.
During his last meeting with his lawyer, Abu Safiya was quoted as saying: “This is the last time you will see me… They brought me here to kill me… I don’t see myself alive… This is the end.”
His legal team noted that the extent of his injuries have left him unrecognisable.
