Israel released Dr. Mohammad Abu Salmiya, director of Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, after more than seven months of detention. His release drew criticism from some Israeli officials and human rights groups, who believe his prolonged detention without charges was unjust. Dr. Abu Salmiya, along with nearly 50 others, claimed to have been tortured while detained.
Israeli forces accused Dr. Abu Salmiya and Al-Shifa Hospital of being a Hamas command center, an allegation both Hamas and hospital officials denied. The hospital was targeted by the Israeli military during the war, causing heavy casualties and destruction. More than 300 medical workers have been detained since the conflict began.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the doctor’s release a grave mistake and ordered an investigation. Opposition leader Benny Gantz criticized the government’s handling of the war, accusing Netanyahu of moral failings.
The release of Dr. Abu Salmiya highlighted rifts within the Israeli security forces and political class. There has been a surge in Palestinian detainees since the conflict began, with many being held without charges and under conditions deemed inhumane by rights groups. The situation continues to be tense, with rockets being fired from Gaza toward Israel and the possibility of ongoing violence.
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