NewsIsraeli forces detain Al-Shifa Hospital's chief from convoy Carrying injured

Israeli forces detain Al‑Shifa Hospital's chief from convoy Carrying injured

Israeli forces detain Al-Shifa Hospital's chief from convoy Carrying injured
Images source: © GETTY | Anadolu Agency
ed. PJM

1:51 PM EST, November 24, 2023

The director of Gaza's largest hospital has been arrested by Israeli forces. Reports suggest that this leading doctor may undergo questioning by a special unit, Shin Bet. Several other medical personnel from Al-Shifa have also been detained.

Mohamed Abu Salmiya, the director of Al-Shifa Hospital, was arrested alongside several medical staff members by Israeli forces, says "The Washington Post," citing information from the Gaza Health Ministry. The arrest is reported to have occurred during the evacuation of wounded patients.

A source, who requested anonymity, shared that Salmiya was intercepted at an Israeli checkpoint. The doctor was part of a fleet of ambulances moving evacuated patients from the hospital to a southern part of the city. Details of these events as reported by "The Washington Post" could not be independently corroborated.

"The group was detained for approximately seven hours. Initially, they resisted being searched but conceded after some time. Each individual was thoroughly searched", said the anonymous official. "Subsequently, Dr. Mohamed was arrested", he further stated.

Israeli public broadcaster KAN reports that Dr. Salmiya is under questioning by Shin Bet and the intelligence unit of the Israeli Defense Force, as written by the Firstpost portal. Khalid Abu Samra, head of a department at Al-Shifa Hospital, said, "Dr. Mohammad Abu Salmiya was arrested along with several senior doctors".

Last week, the Israeli Defense Forces took control of the hospital. Jerusalem maintains that it is being utilized as a Hamas headquarters. The Israeli army is currently searching for evidence to substantiate this claim. Recordings revealing entrances to Hamas tunnels located within the extended medical complex have been made public. However, "The Washington Post" emphasizes that no tangible proof has yet been presented confirming the placement of the Palestinian organization's command unit beneath the hospital.