Call for Humane Treatment, Due Process, and Release of Detained Palestinian Physician

September 4, 2026

The Honorable Yariv Levin
Minister of Justice
Ministry of Justice
29 Salah al-Din Street
Jerusalem 91010
Israel

Dear Minister of Justice Levin:

The Committee of Concerned Scientists (CCS), an independent organization of scientists, physicians, engineers, and scholars dedicated to protecting the human and professional rights of our colleagues throughout the world, is deeply concerned about the detention and reported treatment of Dr. Mazen Rantisi, a 71-year-old Palestinian physician from Ramallah in the West Bank.

Dr. Rantisi is a respected physician who has devoted decades to providing medical care to Palestinians, particularly poor and underserved patients. Widely known as the “doctor of the poor,” he has reportedly treated patients unable to pay, provided medicines to those who could not afford them, and brought medical care to communities with limited access to physicians. He has also served as Chair of the Board of the Health Work Committees, a Palestinian organization providing medical and social services in the West Bank.

Dr. Rantisi was arrested at his home in Ramallah in the early morning of June 21, 2026. We understand that his detention is related to his leadership role in the Health Work Committees, an organization that Israeli authorities have declared unlawful.

We are particularly alarmed by reports concerning the conditions of Dr. Rantisi’s detention. According to accounts provided through his lawyer and reported in the press, Dr. Rantisi has described physical mistreatment, inadequate food, severe overcrowding, and irregular access to medications required for chronic medical conditions. At his age, denial or interruption of necessary medical treatment could have serious consequences for his health.

CCS recognizes Israel’s legitimate responsibility to protect the security of its citizens and does not presume to adjudicate allegations involving national security. At the same time, security considerations cannot remove the fundamental protections owed to every detainee. Detention must be based on clearly stated and reviewable grounds, and all persons in custody must be treated humanely and provided appropriate medical care.

We therefore respectfully urge the Israeli authorities to:

1. Ensure immediately that Dr. Rantisi receives all medications and medical treatment required for his health and that he is held under conditions consistent with internationally recognized standards for the humane treatment of detainees;
2. Ensure that he has regular and confidential access to legal counsel and meaningful contact with his family;
3. Provide a clear statement of the specific legal basis and evidence supporting his continued detention and afford him a prompt and fair judicial process; and
4. Release Dr. Rantisi promptly if there is insufficient evidence to support recognizable criminal charges against him.

Physicians must be able to provide medical care and participate in legitimate professional and humanitarian activities without fear of arbitrary detention or mistreatment. Whatever the political circumstances surrounding this case, Dr. Rantisi’s age, medical needs, and long record of service to vulnerable patients make the reports concerning his treatment especially troubling.

We respectfully ask the Government of Israel to give this case its immediate attention and to ensure that Dr. Mazen Rantisi’s fundamental human and professional rights are fully protected.

Sincerely,

Joel L. Lebowitz, Walter Reich, Eugene M. Chudnovsky, Alexander Greer

Co-Chairs, Committee of Concerned Scientists

CC:

Ambassador Yechiel (Michael) Leiter
Embassy of Israel
3514 International Drive NW
Washington, DC 20008
USA