The health of Dr Hussam Abu Safia, a prominent paediatrician and the director of Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza, has deteriorated significantly while in Israeli detention, his lawyer said in a statement posted on social media, Al Jazeera reports.

Abu Safia was detained in December last year, when Israeli forces raided Kamal Adwan Hospital, taking him, other medical staff and patients into custody, and forcing the last major hospital in northern Gaza out of service.

According to his lawyer, Abu Safia has lost more than 40 kilogrammes (88 pounds) since his arrest, dropping from 100 kilogrammes (220 pounds) to about 60 kilogrammes (132 pounds). He was reportedly severely beaten on June 24 at Ofer Prison, sustaining injuries to his ribs, face and back. Despite requesting medical care and cardiology tests for an irregular heartbeat, his requests were denied.

He remains in solitary confinement under harsh conditions, deprived of sunlight, and still wearing winter clothes in the summer heat. His lawyer warned that Abu Safia and many other Palestinian detainees are in grave condition.