Prime Minister Netanyahu criticizes the release of Gaza hospital director Mohammed Abu Salmiya, claiming it was a moral failure and a security risk

In a controversial decision, Israel on Monday released Mohammed Abu Salmiya, the head of Gaza’s largest hospital, Al-Shifa, who claimed to have endured torture during his seven-month detention. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu quickly condemned the release, labelling it a “serious mistake” and a “moral failure.”

Tensions flared immediately as Abu Salmiya was sent back to Gaza along with dozens of other Palestinians detained since the October 7 attacks, which ignited the Israel-Hamas conflict. The World Health Organization had earlier expressed concern over Abu Salmiya’s detention, which occurred on November 23 alongside other hospital staff.

Israel’s military has accused Hamas of using hospitals, including Al-Shifa, as fronts for military operations—a charge that Hamas denies. Netanyahu has directed the Shin Bet intelligence agency to investigate the circumstances of Abu Salmiya’s release, with a report expected by Tuesday.

“The release of the director of Shifa Hospital is a serious mistake and a moral failure. The place of this man, under whose responsibility our abductees were murdered and held, is in prison,” Netanyahu stated. He emphasized that the decision was made “without the knowledge of the political echelon.”

The Shin Bet and Israeli military justified the release by citing the need to free up space in detention centres, stressing that they opposed the release of those who had participated in attacks on Israeli civilians. National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, a right-wing member of Netanyahu’s coalition, described the release of Abu Salmiya and others as “security abandonment.”

The protracted conflict has severely damaged Al-Shifa and other medical facilities, drawing condemnation from UN agencies, NGOs, and foreign governments. Abu Salmiya alleged that he and other detainees experienced “severe torture” in Israeli prisons, with some prisoners dying from lack of food and medical care. He claimed his thumb was broken and that detainees were subjected to both physical and psychological humiliation, with no charges ever brought against him.

Upon returning to Gaza, some detainees were hospitalized, while others were reunited with their families. An AFP correspondent witnessed emotional scenes as families greeted their released loved ones. Hamas reiterated that it does not use hospitals as shields and urged the UN and other nations to intervene in what it described as a “massacre” of prisoners in Israeli jails. The group also called on the International Committee of the Red Cross to disclose the status of Palestinian detainees in Israel.

Other medical professionals were also detained, including Bassam Miqdad, head of the orthopaedic unit at Gaza European Hospital in Khan Yunis, who was released on the same day. In May, Palestinian rights groups reported that a senior Al-Shifa surgeon had died in Israeli custody, a claim the Israeli army denied knowledge of.

The conflict, which began with Hamas’s October 7 attack resulting in 1,195 deaths, mostly civilians, according to Israeli figures, has seen Israel’s retaliatory offensive claim at least 37,900 lives, also predominantly civilians, according to Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry.

Analysis

Political: The release of Mohammed Abu Salmiya and Netanyahu’s subsequent criticism underscores the complex and contentious political landscape in Israel and Gaza. Netanyahu’s condemnation suggests a deep divide within the Israeli political and military establishments. His insistence on an investigation into the release highlights the ongoing tension between security measures and political oversight. This incident could potentially weaken Netanyahu’s standing, both domestically and internationally, as it raises questions about the coherence and accountability of his administration’s decisions.

Social: Socially, the release and subsequent allegations of torture have amplified existing grievances and distrust between Israelis and Palestinians. The allegations of mistreatment and the harsh conditions reported by Abu Salmiya and other detainees contribute to the already strained relationship between the two groups. This event is likely to intensify calls for human rights investigations and may galvanize public opinion on both sides, leading to increased activism and potentially more unrest.

Racial: The racial dynamics in this incident cannot be overlooked. The treatment of Palestinian detainees, including alleged torture and inhumane conditions, reflects broader issues of racial and ethnic discrimination. The disparity in treatment between Israeli detainees and Palestinian prisoners often fuels accusations of systemic bias and injustice. This incident will likely reinforce perceptions of inequality and could provoke international condemnation and calls for reforms in Israel’s handling of Palestinian detainees.

Gender: While the incident primarily revolves around political and racial issues, it also touches on gender dynamics, particularly the impact of such events on families and communities. The emotional reunions witnessed as detainees returned home underscore the role of family structures and the broader societal impact of detentions and conflicts. The psychological trauma experienced by detainees and their families, especially women and children, highlights the need for support systems and mental health resources in conflict zones.

Economical: Economically, the implications are significant. The destruction of medical facilities like Al-Shifa Hospital and the broader impact of the conflict on Gaza’s infrastructure has far-reaching consequences. The financial burden of rebuilding and providing medical care in a war-torn region is immense. Additionally, the costs associated with the detention and treatment of prisoners, both for Israel and Gaza, add another layer of economic strain. International aid and support will be crucial in addressing these economic challenges and ensuring the region’s stability.