GAZA: Israeli forces on Thursday arrested the director of Al-Shifa, Gaza’s largest hospital, and several medical personnel.
A doctor at the hospital confirmed that Mohammad Abu Salmiya, the director, has been a frequent source for international media regarding the conditions within Al-Shifa, a major focal point during the Israeli ground offensive.
The Israeli army, which conducted a raid on the hospital last week, alleges that a tunnel complex beneath the facility was used by Hamas fighters for staging attacks. Despite denials from Hamas and hospital officials, the arrests include Dr. Mohammad Abu Salmiya, along with other senior doctors, a nurse, and two other medical personnel, according to a Hamas-run health ministry official.
Hamas has strongly condemned the arrests, urging international organizations, including the International Committee of the Red Cross, to work towards the immediate release of those detained. Al-Shifa hospital had warned on Saturday last by the Israeli forces to evacuate the hospital, leading to the movement of hundreds of patients towards what was considered a safer area in the southern part of the Palestinian territory.
Conflicting accounts surround the evacuation, with Dr. Salmiya stating that he received the order from Israeli forces after refusing a previous one.
Al-Shifa hospital has been the focus of an extended Israeli special forces operation in the context of the conflict with Hamas in the Gaza Strip, where the Hamas-run government reports over 14,000 casualties, predominantly women and children.
