Israel arrests director of Al-Shifa Hospital; says ‘extensive Hamas terrorist activity’ occurred there during his time in command

The director of Gaza’s largest hospital has been arrested by Israeli forces who claim that “extensive Hamas terrorist activity” took place at the medical facilities during his tenure.

Mohammad Abu Salmiya was detained for questioning due to evidence that Shifa hospital was used as a command center by Hamas terrorists, the IDF said.

The Israeli army stormed the hospital last week amid allegations that Hamas terrorists used a tunnel complex beneath the medical center as their headquarters.

The IDF said today: ‘The director of Shifa Hospital in the Gaza Strip was detained and transferred for ISA interrogation after evidence showed that Shifa Hospital, under his direct management, served as Hamas’ command and control center.

“The Hamas terrorist tunnel network located under the hospital also exploited the electricity and resources taken from the hospital.

“In addition, Hamas stored numerous weapons in and on the hospital grounds.”

The IDF added: “Furthermore, following the Hamas massacre on October 7, Hamas terrorists sought refuge in the hospital, some of them taking Israeli hostages with them.

‘An anatomopathological report also confirmed the murder of CPL Noa Marciano on the hospital premises.

“At the hospital, under his management, there was extensive terrorist activity by Hamas. Findings of his involvement in terrorist activities will determine whether he will be subject to further interrogation by the ISA.’

IDF spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said: ‘Now the irrefutable truth of Hamas’ exploitation of hospitals in Gaza is fully exposed to the world.

“We have an important question to ask the international community: what will you do to prevent Gaza hospitals from being turned into terrorist bases in the future?

‘Will you condemn Hamas? Or will you remain silent? Will you remain silent? I want to make it clear that Israel is at war with Hamas. We are not at war with the people of Gaza.’

Earlier, Khalid Abu Samra, head of the hospital department, had confirmed Salmiya’s arrest, claiming that he had been arrested with “several other senior soldiers”. The IDF statement referred only to Salmiya’s arrest.

“Doctor Mohammad Abu Salmiya was arrested along with several other senior doctors,” Samra said.

In a statement, Hamas said it “strongly denounces” the arrest of Salmiya and his colleagues, calling on the International Committee of the Red Cross and other international organizations to work towards their “immediate release”.

Source: www.lindaikejisblog.com