Jerusalem, 20 October, 2026 (TPS-IL) — The European Parliament has excluded Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya from the final shortlist for the 2026 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought.
The pediatrician and director of Gaza’s Kamal Adwan Hospital was nominated by left-leaning factions, igniting intense international debate. Israeli authorities and international watchdog groups opposed the nomination, presenting evidence that Abu Safiya holds the rank of colonel in Gaza’s Military Medical Services, a branch of the Hamas-run Interior Ministry.
Conversely, human rights groups and supporters defended him, arguing the rank is a standard civil administration title for public health officials and denying any combat or terrorist ties.
Following a high-stakes parliamentary vote, Abu Safiya did not make the final cut. The three remaining finalists for the prestigious human rights award include the International Criminal Court (ICC), Tanzanian politician Tundu Lissu, and Iranian activists Taraneh and Romina Rahimi.
