Palestinian Doctor Nominated for EU Parliament’s 2026 Sakharov Prize

DID Press: Palestinian doctor and former director of Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza, Hussam Abu Safieh, has been nominated by the European Parliament’s Greens and Left groups for the 2026 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought.

The European Parliament announced on October 1 that six nominations had been submitted for this year’s prize, with Abu Safieh among the nominees.

The Sakharov Prize is awarded annually to individuals or organizations recognized for their work in defending human rights and fundamental freedoms.

Abu Safieh, a Palestinian pediatrician and former director of Kamal Adwan Hospital, has been detained by Israel since December 2024.

According to published reports, he has been held without trial or formal charges. Israeli authorities have accused him of links to Hamas, an allegation rejected by his family and lawyers.

The Greens and Left groups in the European Parliament submitted Abu Safieh’s nomination as part of the process to select the 2026 Sakharov Prize laureate.

However, nomination does not mean that a candidate has been selected to receive the award. All six nominees remain under consideration.