Dr. Muhammad Abu Salmiya, the director of Al Shifa Hospital in Gaza, was freed along with 54 other Palestinian prisoners after more than seven months in Israeli detention. Abu Salmiya accused Israel of abusing Palestinian prisoners during his time in captivity, citing torture and lack of basic necessities. The rare prisoner release sparked outrage among right-wing Israeli lawmakers and officials, with accusations of security negligence and criticism of the decision to release militants involved in attacks on Israel.
The Shin Bet and the Israel Prison Service were blamed for the prisoner release, with calls for immediate inquiries and the dismissal of those responsible for the decision. The Shin Bet defended the release, citing prison overcrowding and the need for more incarceration places as reasons behind the decision.
Israeli officials had previously accused Al Shifa Hospital of being used by Hamas as a base for military operations, leading to international criticism when the hospital complex was targeted by Israeli forces. The UN Human Rights Office raised concerns about the killing and detention of health workers in Gaza since the start of the conflict.
Palestinian leaders condemned the arrests and mistreatment of health workers, with calls for Israeli officials to apologize for violating international humanitarian law. The situation highlights the deepening divisions within Israeli officialdom and the ongoing tensions between Israel and Palestine.
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