Politics
US lawmakers demand halt to Israel arms transfers, release of detained Gaza doctor
October 7, 2026 at 09:00 AM
Coverage
2 reports · 1 in Arabic, 1 in English · over 11 hours
Six US Congress members issued a joint statement condemning Israel's treatment of Palestinian healthcare workers and demanding the release of detained medical staff.
- Six US lawmakers — Tlaib, Omar, Garcia, Lee, Jayapal, and Ramirez — issued a joint statement Tuesday condemning Israel's treatment of Palestinian healthcare workers.
- The lawmakers demanded the immediate release of Dr. Hussam Abu Safia, director of Kamal Adwan Hospital, arrested in December 2024 and held without charges or trial.
- They urged Congress to block a $2.8 billion arms deal to Israel and pass the "Block the Bombs Act" restricting offensive weapons transfers.
- The statement said Israel killed at least 1,700 Palestinian healthcare workers over three years and detained hundreds, with 16 physicians still held.