Title: Al-Shifa Hospital Director Detained by Israel, Concerns Over Health Workers’ Fate Raised
In a worrying development, the head of Gaza City’s al-Shifa Hospital, Muhammad Abu Salmiya, has been detained by Israeli authorities. This incident has raised concerns not only about Abu Salmiya’s fate but also over the well-being of the five other health workers who were also detained.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed deep concern about the situation and has called for the detained health workers’ legal and human rights to be fully observed during their detention. Two of the six health workers have reportedly been released, but there is a lack of information regarding the remaining four, including the hospital director.
The Israeli army has stated that Abu Salmiya is being questioned due to allegations that the hospital was used as a command center by Hamas fighters. Last week, the Israeli army raided the hospital, claiming that Hamas fighters had utilized a tunnel complex beneath the premises. However, both Hamas and hospital officials have strongly denied these allegations.
Muhammad Abu Salmiya, known for frequently speaking to international media about the conditions inside al-Shifa Hospital, has become a prominent voice in shedding light on the challenges faced by medical facilities in Gaza. The hospital had been housing approximately 7,000 people, including patients and displaced Palestinians, until the Israeli army ordered its evacuation a week ago.
Amidst the escalating situation, the WHO has conducted three evacuation missions to al-Shifa Hospital in the past week, successfully evacuating 151 people during the latest operation. However, the organization remains concerned about the safety of the remaining patients and health workers at al-Shifa Hospital. Efforts are now underway to secure further evacuations from other hospitals in northern Gaza.
The detention of Muhammad Abu Salmiya and the other health workers has sparked international outcry, prompting organizations and individuals worldwide to call for their immediate release. The WHO’s appeals for their rights to be respected are a testament to the pressing need for their well-being to be safeguarded in these critical times.
As the world watches the situation in Gaza with growing concern, the fate of these health workers underscores the volatile nature of the conflict and the dire consequences it has for innocent civilians already grappling with a fragile healthcare infrastructure.
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