DOCTORS gathered under pouring rain in London to demand the release of a high-profile Gazan paediatrician detained by Israel since last December.

Dr Hussam Abu Safiya used his social media to share updates on Israeli attacks on Kamal Adwan hospital in northern Gaza before he disappeared during a lethal Israeli raid.

The 51-year-old hospital director has reportedly been subject to severe beatings and fed just two spoons of rice per day while in custody.

His detention order was last extended for six months under the widely condemned Unlawful Combatants Law on October 16, dashing hopes he would be among those released under a ceasefire agreement recently announced by US President Donald Trump.

On Monday, doctors and healthcare professionals gathered on the Albert Embankment, near St Thomas’ Hospital in central London, demanding his release and that of 114 other Palestinian medics held without charge or trial by Israeli authorities.

They wore scrubs and held large placards saying: “Free Gaza Medics,” “Free Dr Hussam Abu Safiya,” and “Stop Arming Israel.”

Amnesty International UK’s crisis response manager Kristyan Benedict said: “Dr Hussam Abu Safiya was saving lives, not taking them.

“His continued detention — without charge, without trial, and in conditions amounting to abuse — is a grave injustice and a blatant violation of international law.  

“Israel is making a mockery of the so-called peace deal it signed up to by continuing to illegally hold Palestinian detainees — including medics — for seemingly no reason other than political leverage. 

“The UK cannot look the other way — it must suspend arms transfers to Israel and press for accountability.” 

The protest was organised by Amnesty International UK and Healthcare Workers Watch.