Israel released Mohammad Abu Salmiya, the director of Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, after more than seven months of detention. Abu Salmiya was taken into custody in November during an evacuation effort, but no charges have been made public. His release prompted criticism in Israel, with some calling it a mistake by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Abu Salmiya described being subjected to torture during his detention and said he was released along with nearly 50 other Palestinian detainees. The Israeli Prison Service denied his claims of torture.
The release of Abu Salmiya highlighted tensions between Israeli security forces and politicians. The Shin Bet criticized the government for not providing enough space in detention centers, forcing them to release less dangerous detainees. Netanyahu’s office called the release a grave mistake and ordered an investigation.
The release also came amid continued rocket fire from Gaza into Israel, suggesting the conflict may not be over. More than 9,600 Palestinians are detained in Israeli prisons, many without charges. Rights groups have criticized the conditions of Palestinian detainees and Israel’s treatment of them.
The raid on Al-Shifa Hospital and Abu Salmiya’s detention underscored differing views on the conflict, with Palestinians seeing Israeli actions as disregard for Palestinian lives while Israelis view it as necessary to combat Hamas. The Israeli military has accused Hamas of operating from within the hospital, an accusation Hamas denies.
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