Senior Gaza doctor alleges ‘severe torture' following release from Israeli detention as politicians clash over decision

The head of Gaza’s largest hospital has claimed he was repeatedly tortured during his seven months in Israeli detention, following his sudden release Monday, in a move that highlighted growing rifts in the Israeli establishment. Dr. Mohammed Abu Salmiya, the director of the Al-Shifa medical complex, who was arrested in late November during the first of two Israeli raids on the facility in Gaza City, was released along with 50 other Palestinian detainees. Their release has sparked outcry in Israel and was criticized across the political spectrum. At a news conference Monday, Abu Salmiya alleged Palestinian detainees suffered ‘severe torture’ and had medical treatment denied. Abu Salmiya said fellow prisoners lost a significant amount of weight and were ‘completely denied treatment.’ In response to allegations of abuse, the Israeli Prison Service said it was ’not aware of the claims.’ Abu Salmiya was reportedly detained while evacuating the hospital with a World Health Organization convoy. The Israeli military said at the time the director was ‘apprehended and transferred for … questioning following evidence showing that the Shifa Hospital, under his direct management, served as a Hamas command and control center.’ Al-Shifa became a flashpoint in Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza and now lies in ruins following a 14-day Israeli siege in March. Israel repeatedly claimed that a Hamas command center sat underneath the medical complex and that the militant group has used it to hold hostages. Hamas has denied the claims, as have health officials working there. Other Palestinian detainees released on Monday described overcrowded detention centers where prisoners were abused, diseases spread, and food was scarce. The release has created tensions within Israel as its war with Hamas stretches into its ninth month, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordering an ‘immediate inquiry into the matter,’ according to his office. The decision to release the detainees comes as families of Israelis taken hostage by Hamas during the October 7 attacks continue to wait for news of their loved ones. As many as 120 hostages remain captive in Gaza.