On Saturday, a gathering in central London drew attention to the plight of Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails. Activists called for the release of those detained under what Israel terms “administrative detention,” a practice allowing for indefinite detention without formal charges. The vigil highlighted the cases of individuals arrested based on alleged future intentions to commit offenses, rather than past actions.
Participants wore red ribbons symbolizing urgency and danger, aiming to raise global awareness about the conditions faced by Palestinian detainees. Organisers indicated that the event was meant to launch a broader global campaign advocating for prisoners’ rights.
Focus on Dr. Hussam Abu Safia
Central to the vigil was the case of Dr. Hussam Abu Safia, a former director of the Kamal Adwan Hospital in Gaza. He was taken by the Israeli army from the hospital in December 2024. According to his lawyer and family, Dr. Abu Safia has endured severe mistreatment, including physical abuse, torture, and extended periods of solitary confinement.
Adnan Hmidan, chair of the Palestinian Forum in the United Kingdom and the event’s organiser, stated, “We are clear about this vocabulary – they are hostages, not like any prisoners, and our symbol today is Dr Hussam Abu Safia.” He described the circumstances of Dr. Abu Safia’s arrest, noting he was taken in front of colleagues while wearing his medical coat. Hmidan also pointed out the lack of legal representation for many Palestinian detainees, who often do not have access to lawyers or court dates.
Human rights organization Addameer reports that approximately 9,300 Palestinian political prisoners are currently held in Israeli prisons, with many detained without trial. This number excludes those in military detention facilities. The organization noted that there are at least 3,350 Palestinians recognized as “administrative detainees” from the occupied West Bank.
Adding to this, the Israeli human rights group B’Tselem stated that as of late 2025, around 10,900 Palestinians are held in Israeli prisons on security grounds, including 2,931 individuals from the Gaza Strip.
Calls for Global Awareness
Activists at the vigil expressed hope that their campaign would lead to tangible changes. Eva Nazem, an attendee, emphasized the importance of raising awareness about the ongoing situation. “It’s also to remind people what’s going on, and that we haven’t forgotten them,” she told Al Jazeera. Nazem criticized the silence of those in power, stating, “People who could do something are staying quiet, not doing enough.”
She also pointed out that while the ceasefire exists in name, the situation for detainees remains dire. “People like Dr. Safia, who have been absolute heroes, are imprisoned and tortured, and it’s not acceptable,” she added.
As participants held placards in silence, Hmidan clarified that the vigil was meant as “a silent, peaceful act of solidarity,” rather than a protest march. “There are many ways of lobbying and campaigning. We respect different kinds of protest, but here we have something about humanitarian issues,” he explained.
He concluded by reinforcing the humanity of the detainees: “They are human, they have their own stories, they have their own families.” The gathering served not only as a call for action but also as a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by Palestinian prisoners.
