US Lawmakers Urge Secretary of State Marco Rubio to Secure Release of Detained American Student Sama Safi

Over 40 members of the United States Congress have sent a letter to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, demanding urgent action to secure the release of Sama Safi. The 20-year-old US citizen and Palestinian American student has been held by the Israeli military since June.

Legislators warned on Tuesday that Sama Safi's health is rapidly deteriorating amid severe conditions in Israeli custody. Led by Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib, the lawmakers emphasized that her life is at severe risk and called on Rubio to use all available diplomatic tools for her immediate release.

Six US senators—including Elizabeth Warren, Bernie Sanders, and Chris Van Hollen—joined dozens of House members in signing the letter. Israeli forces originally abducted Safi from her home in the occupied West Bank during a predawn raid nearly three months ago while she was attending Birzeit University, holding her without formal charges.

The case has renewed scrutiny over the treatment of Palestinian detainees and the safety of American citizens in the region. Human rights advocates have documented widespread abuses in Israeli detention facilities, while the State Department stated it is aware of the situation and tracking the case closely.