Artists for Humanity release fundraiser single calling for the release of imprisoned Palestinian doctor

Dublin-based collective Artists For Humanity have released a new single, 'Set Him Free', calling for the release of an imprisoned Palestinian doctor.

"The song shines a light on the doctor’s plight while standing in solidarity with the people of Gaza," said Artists for Humanity in the description of the single.

'Set Him Free' was written by Erica and Ian McColl — the latter of whom previously held a role as Art Director at Hot Press.

The song features lead vocals by Gavin Fox (Idlewild, Turn), backing vocals by Julie Horton (Far Away Blonde) and guitar by Eric Molimard.

Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya was born in a refugee camp in northern Gaza. His family originally came from the Palestinian town of Hamama, but had become displaced since it was forcibly depopulated during the Nakba in 1948.

He went on to become a prominent paediatrician, neonatologist and human rights defender. He was also the director of Kamal Adwan Hospital in the Gaza Strip.

The hospital was subject to multiple raids since October 2023. Due to frequent bombings on civilian areas, Abu Safiya and his family moved into the hospital permanently.

He contributed greatly to the hospital's operations, increasing its capacity from 120 beds to 200 despite a severe shortage of supplies and power and while under near-constang seige.

He was interrogated by Israeli soldiers on at least four separate occasions over unfounded claims that his hospital sheltered members of Hamas.

During a raid on the hospitalby Israeli forces in October 2024, many staff and patients were detained. Abu Safiya's 15-year-old son was killed in an Israeli drone strike during the raid "reportedly in retaliation for his refusal to leave."

In November 2024, Abu Safiya was badly injured by a drone strike on the hospital while walking to his office after completing surgery.

In December 2024, "Abu Safiya remained at his post despite Israeli evacuation orders during the assault on Gaza, refusing to abandon his patients," as written by Artists for Humanity.

Abu Safiya was arrested and has been detained without charge in Ofer Prison ever since.

There have been numerous reports of human rights abuses at Ofer Prison, including the imprisonment of children, starvation, beatings and torture.

In March 2025, the Israeli Be'er Sheva District Court upheld the order to detain Abu Safiya under Israel's Unlawful Combatants Law. The Al Mezan Center for Human Rights reported he had been prohibited from accessing a lawyer until January 2025 and he and his family had not been informed of any court appearances ahead of time.

Reports from Abu Safiya's lawyer who visited him in prison as well as from other detainees allege he has been the victim of abuse and mistreatment by Israeli captors.

In March, his lawyer said he suffered four fractured ribs during interrogations and was denied proper medical care. The lawyer claimed he was tortured by Israeli forces in an attempt to force him to confess to operating on Hamas members, an accusation which he has denied.

In July 2025, his lawyer reported he had lost over 40kg while imprisoned, sustained injuries from a beating in June, is being held in solitary confinement and is being denied medical attention for an irregular heartbeat.

Multiple international NGOs have called for his release and the arrest of those who attacked his hospital and detained him.

"Join us in demanding his immediate and unconditional release," Artists for Humanity said.

Artists for Humanity also created a video for 'Set Him Free', with images of Abu Safiya as well as from Palestine solidarity marches in Dublin.

The digital track is available for purchase at a price of €5 via Bandcamp.

All proceeds are to be divided between the Abu Safiya Family and the Tea Collective, a fundraising initiative for children and families in Gaza.

Listen to 'Set Him Free' and watch the video below: