Israel has released 55 Palestinians detained from Gaza, including Mohammed Abu Selmia, the director of Shifa Hospital, the territory’s main medical facility. Abu Selmia was detained in November during an Israeli raid on the hospital, with the Israeli army claiming Hamas was using the facility for military purposes and had uncovered a tunnel within the complex. Both Abu Selmia and other hospital staff denied these allegations.
Nahedh Abu Taema, director of Nasser Hospital in southern Gaza, reported that Abu Selmia was among the 55 Palestinians released on Monday. He mentioned that 50 of the detainees were taken to Nasser Hospital for medical checks, while the remaining five were sent to Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir Al-Balah.
Israel has accused Hamas and other militant groups of using hospitals as shelters and for military operations. However, Palestinian health officials argue that these raids have forced several hospitals to either shut down or drastically reduce their services, thereby endangering civilian lives. Under international law, hospitals lose their protected status if used for military purposes.
In a video released by Palestinian media following his release, Abu Selmia accused Israeli authorities of mistreating Palestinian detainees, stating they “are subjected to daily physical and psychological humiliation.” Israeli authorities have denied these allegations.
Nahedh Abu Taema, director of Nasser Hospital in southern Gaza, reported that Abu Selmia was among the 55 Palestinians released on Monday. He mentioned that 50 of the detainees were taken to Nasser Hospital for medical checks, while the remaining five were sent to Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir Al-Balah.
Israel has accused Hamas and other militant groups of using hospitals as shelters and for military operations. However, Palestinian health officials argue that these raids have forced several hospitals to either shut down or drastically reduce their services, thereby endangering civilian lives. Under international law, hospitals lose their protected status if used for military purposes.
In a video released by Palestinian media following his release, Abu Selmia accused Israeli authorities of mistreating Palestinian detainees, stating they “are subjected to daily physical and psychological humiliation.” Israeli authorities have denied these allegations.
