Director of Gaza's Largest Hospital Detained by Israel, Accused of Facilitating Extensive Hamas Activities

The head of Gaza's largest hospital, Mohammad Abu Salmiya, has been detained by Israeli forces on suspicion of facilitating extensive Hamas terrorist activities at Shifa Hospital during his tenure. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) asserted that the hospital was used as a command center by Hamas militants, with a tunnel complex beneath the medical facility allegedly serving as their headquarters.

According to the IDF, Salmiya is being questioned in connection with evidence suggesting that under his management, Shifa Hospital played a role in Hamas activities. The IDF claims that the hospital's premises were utilized for storing weapons, exploiting electricity and resources, and even harboring terrorists seeking refuge after an alleged Hamas massacre on October 7th. A report also confirmed the murder of CPL Noa Marciano on the hospital premises.

Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, the IDF spokesperson, emphasized the exploitation of hospitals in Gaza by Hamas and questioned the international community's response to prevent such facilities from becoming bases for terror activities. He clarified that Israel's conflict is with Hamas and not with the people of Gaza.

While Khalid Abu Samra, the chief of the hospital department, confirmed Salmiya's arrest along with "several other senior doctors," the IDF's statement only mentioned Salmiya's arrest. Hamas strongly denounced the arrests, urging international organizations, including the International Committee of the Red Cross, to work towards the immediate release of Salmiya and his colleagues.