In a letter addressed to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the lawmakers called for immediate action to secure Safi's release, warning that her health has reportedly deteriorated while in detention.
Lawmakers Demand Immediate Action
The congressional letter was led by Representative Rashida Tlaib and supported by several members of the US Senate, including Senators Elizabeth Warren, Bernie Sanders and Chris Van Hollen.
The lawmakers said Safi's continued detention could place her health at further risk and urged the State Department to use every available diplomatic tool to secure her freedom.
Who Is Sama Safi?
Safi is a 20-year-old Palestinian-American student who was studying at Birzeit University in the occupied West Bank.
According to the congressional letter, Israeli forces detained her during a raid on her family home in June. She has reportedly remained in custody without formal charges.
Concerns Over Her Health
US lawmakers have raised particular concerns about Safi's medical condition. They say she suffers from Familial Mediterranean Fever, a chronic genetic disorder that can cause recurring fever and inflammation.
The lawmakers said she has not had consistent access to the medication required to manage her condition. They warned that prolonged interruption of treatment could have serious consequences for her health.
Allegations About Detention Conditions
The congressional letter also describes allegations concerning Safi's treatment while in Israeli custody. According to the lawmakers, she has reported verbal abuse, painful stress positions and poor detention conditions.
The allegations have added to wider concerns raised by international rights organisations about the treatment of Palestinian detainees in Israeli custody.
US Administration Says It Is Monitoring the Case
The US State Department has confirmed that it is aware of reports concerning an American citizen detained in the West Bank.
A State Department spokesperson said the Trump administration takes the safety and security of Americans abroad seriously and that officials are tracking the situation. The department also said it advocates for detained Americans to receive appropriate medical care, proper treatment and regular consular access.
Israel's Position
Israeli authorities did not respond to Al Jazeera's request for comment before the publication of the report.
Earlier in August, the Israeli military told a Florida radio station that four female suspects had been detained in the West Bank over what it described as activities connected to terrorism.
Why the Case Is Drawing Attention
Safi's case has attracted growing attention in Washington because she is an American citizen and because lawmakers say her medical condition requires urgent attention.
The congressional intervention also comes amid continuing debate in the United States over Washington's relationship with Israel and its military assistance to the country.
What Happens Next?
The immediate focus is now on whether the Trump administration will take further diplomatic steps to secure Safi's release and ensure access to medical treatment.
With dozens of members of Congress calling for action, the case is likely to remain a point of discussion between US officials and Israeli authorities in the coming days.
Sources: Al Jazeera, US State Department, Congressional correspondence