Protest at the United Nations Calls for Release of Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya as Ben-Gvir Cancels Visit

Protest at the United Nations Calls for the Release of Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya as Ben-Gvir Cancels Visit-

Demonstrators welcome the cancellation while urging continued international action for Gaza and detained medical workers

NEW YORK CITY — July 7, 2026 — Hundreds of pro-Palestinian demonstrators, joined by anti-Zionist Jewish activists, human rights advocates, healthcare workers, and supporters of the Palestinian cause gathered at Dag Hammarskjöld Plaza, across from the United Nations Headquarters in Manhattan, The rally was organized to oppose the planned visit of Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir to the United Nations and to demand the immediate release of Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, the director of Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza.

The demonstration was organized to oppose Ben-Gvir’s planned appearance at the United Nations and to draw attention to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Protesters demanded that those responsible for violations of international law be held accountable for their actions rather than welcomed at international institutions.

During the protest, demonstrators welcomed the news that Itamar Ben-Gvir had canceled his planned visit to the United Nations. Protesters described the cancellation as the result of growing international criticism and sustained pressure from human rights organizations, activists, and members of civil society. Speakers emphasized that while the cancellation was viewed as a positive development, much more remains to be done to achieve accountability and justice.

A central focus of the rally was the continued detention of Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, a respected pediatrician and the director of Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza. Protesters carried signs and banners demanding his immediate release, describing him as a symbol of the hardships faced by Gaza’s healthcare workers.

According to reports from United Nations experts and human rights organizations, Dr. Abu Safiya has been held by Israeli authorities without charge since December 27, 2024. His detention has prompted widespread concern from medical associations and international human rights advocates, who have called for his immediate release and for the protection of healthcare workers during armed conflict.

Speakers at the rally urged the United Nations and world leaders to take meaningful action to secure Dr. Abu Safiya’s freedom and to ensure that international humanitarian law is respected. They stressed that medical professionals should never be targeted or detained for carrying out their humanitarian duties.

Members of the anti-Zionist Jewish community also addressed the crowd, emphasizing that opposition to Israeli government policies should not be confused with opposition to Judaism. They reaffirmed their solidarity with the Palestinian people and called for peace, justice, and the right of return .

Rabbi Yisroel Dovid Weiss of Neturei Karta addressed the gathering, emphasizing that it is especially important for Jews to be present at the demonstration because, he said, Itamar Ben-Gvir presents himself internationally as a representative of the Jewish people and of the Jewish religion. Rabbi Weiss stated that observant Jews reject that claim and believe it is essential to publicly demonstrate that Ben-Gvir’s political positions do not represent all Jews or Judaism. He said the participation of anti-Zionist Jews at the United Nations protest was intended to make that distinction clear while expressing solidarity with the Palestinian people and calling for justice and peace.