US lawmakers call for action to secure release of American student detained by Israel

More than 40 members of the United States Congress have sent a letter to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio urging him to advocate for the release of Sama Safi, a 20-year-old US citizen who has been detained by the Israeli military since June. The legislators expressed concern on Tuesday regarding the deteriorating health of the Palestinian American student, stating that she is enduring "appalling conditions" in Israeli custody. Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib, who led the letter, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, "Every day that Sama remains wrongfully detained in these inhumane conditions, she is at greater risk of irreversible and life-threatening repercussions." The letter was signed by six US senators, including Elizabeth Warren, Bernie Sanders, and Chris Van Hollen, along with numerous House members. Sama Safi was taken from her home in the occupied West Bank during a predawn raid nearly three months ago and has been held without charge. She was among four young women detained during an Israeli crackdown on anti-occupation activism in June. The letter also highlighted that Safi suffers from Familial Mediterranean Fever, a chronic medical condition, and has not had regular access to her medication. The State Department has stated that it does not comment on congressional correspondence or specific cases due to privacy concerns but affirmed its commitment to the safety and security of US citizens abroad. Raed Jarrar, advocacy director at the US-based rights group DAWN, argued that Safi's detention should lead to a suspension of American military aid to Israel, citing US laws regarding human rights violations. The Israeli government did not provide a comment on the matter by the time of publication.