Gaza Hospital Chief Among Palestinians Freed by Israel

Photo : AFP

Jerusalem: Mohammed Abu Salmiya, the director of Gaza's largest hospital, Al Shifa, was released after over seven months in Israeli detention. His release, along with dozens of other Palestinian prisoners, was confirmed by Israel's National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and a medical source within Gaza.

Salmiya, who was detained in November, was among those returning to Gaza for medical treatment. The hospital where he worked has been significantly damaged in successive Israeli raids following Hamas attacks on southern Israel in October.

Upon their return, some detainees were admitted to Al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir el-Balah, while others were taken to hospitals in Khan Yunis. Emotional scenes unfolded as families reunited with their loved ones at Deir el-Balah.

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Israel's military acknowledged reports of the prisoner release but did not provide further details. However, Minister Itamar Ben Gvir described Salmiya's release, alongside others, as a security concern due to allegations that Hamas uses hospitals in Gaza for military purposes.

Hamas, which has governed Gaza since 2007, denies these accusations. Earlier in May, Palestinian rights groups reported the death of a senior surgeon from Al Shifa in an Israeli prison, a claim Israel's army stated it was unaware of.

The conflict escalated following Hamas's October 7 attack, resulting in civilian casualties on both sides. According to Israeli figures, 1,195 people, mostly civilians, were killed, while Gaza's health ministry reported at least 37,877 deaths, also mostly civilians, during Israel's retaliatory offensive.