The release of Dr. Mohammad Abu Salmiya, director of Gaza’s largest hospital Al-Shifa, who was held in Israeli detention for over seven months without charges, has sparked controversy. Palestinian and rights groups welcomed his release, while Israeli officials condemned it, leading to tensions within the government. Itamar Ben Gvir, a far-right minister, criticized the release as a security risk, blaming Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also denounced the decision, labeling it as an “egregious error and a moral failure.” Seeking to address the outrage, Netanyahu promised to investigate the decision and set up a team to vet detainees before release. Benny Gantz, a centrist minister, used the opportunity to call for elections.
Dr. Abu Salmiya, along with 50 other Palestinian detainees, returned to Gaza after being released. He described being subjected to extreme torture during his detention. Human rights groups have criticized Israeli mistreatment of Palestinian prisoners, citing Dr. Abu Salmiya’s case as an example.
The Israeli Supreme Court is considering a petition demanding the closure of Sde Teiman, a barracks turned jail where many Gazan detainees are held. The Shin Bet justified the release of detainees, including Dr. Abu Salmiya, by citing the need to clear space in the jail for more imminent arrests.
The Gaza health ministry called for the release of all detained medical workers who were arrested while treating the sick and wounded. Over 310 medical workers have been detained since the start of the war, but it is unclear how many have been released.
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