Dr. Muhammad Abu Salmiya, the director of Gaza’s Al-Shifa Hospital, was released on Monday morning after enduring months of detention by Israeli Occupation authorities.

His detention, which began in November 2023, stemmed from events during an “Israeli” military raid on the hospital, where he was detained while participating in a UN-led humanitarian convoy evacuating patients.

Also Read: 'Israeli army' bombed Shifa Hospital, destroyed parts of it: Gaza Health Ministry

Abu Salmiya, along with approximately 50 other detainees, including medical staff and patients, was released to his home in Deir al-Balah in central Gaza.

During a press conference following his release, Abu Salmiya detailed the severe mistreatment endured by prisoners, citing torture, deprivation of basic rights, and inadequate medical care and food.

He condemned the behavior of Israeli Occupation doctors in prisons, alleging cruelty and physical abuse, and criticized what he described as an abandonment of human values by the occupying forces.

Abu Salmiya’s account of severe mistreatment and torture in Israeli Occupation prisons aligns with ongoing international concerns.

"We were subjected to severe torture," he said. "Occupation force stormed the prisoners’ cells and assaulted them on an almost daily basis."

Prisoners were given one loaf of bread a day for two consecutive months, according to Abu Salmiya.

The United Nations Special Rapporteur on Torture, Alice Jill Edwards, previously highlighted a pattern of human rights violations by “Israeli” authorities, including allegations of systematic abuse and lack of transparency in handling Palestinian detainees.

Abu Salmiya’s detention began during a tumultuous period at Al-Shifa Hospital, which “Israeli” military officials claimed was being used as a Hamas command and control center.

Despite these claims, no evidence was presented to support the assertion that the hospital housed any Hamas assets.

The hospital, Gaza’s largest medical facility, suffered repeated attacks, including a destructive two-week raid in March that left its facilities severely damaged.

“Israeli” authorities initially detained Abu Salmiya without formal charges, presenting him in court multiple times during his incarceration without accusations being leveled against him.

His release, he argued, underscored the political nature of his detention rather than any criminal wrongdoing.

"I will return to fulfill my duty," Abu Salmiya declared, pledging to rebuild Al-Shifa Hospital despite the extensive damage it sustained.

- Outrage within “Israel” -

His release sparked strong reactions within “Israel”, with the occupation’s government officials expressing outrage over what they perceived as a security compromise.

Ministers, including Amichai Chikli and Orit Strock, criticized the decision to release Abu Salmiya, questioning the authority behind the move and highlighting security concerns.

“Israeli” National Security Minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, condemned the release as a result of security negligence, advocating for accountability within “Israeli” intelligence agencies.

The “Israeli” government, in response to the outcry, cited legal proceedings and a petition filed with the high court regarding the detention conditions at the Sde Teiman detention facility as reasons for Abu Salmiya’s release.

“Israeli” Defence Minister Yoav Gallant reiterated that decisions regarding security prisoners fall under the jurisdiction of the Shin Bet and “Israel” Prison Service, not the defense ministry.

Also Read: Washington Post investigation questions Israeli Occupation's claims about Shifa Hospital

Criticism of the release exposed broader tensions within “Israeli” politics regarding the treatment of Palestinian detainees and the management of security policies.

The Shin Bet defended the release, attributing it to overcrowded prison conditions necessitating space for more significant security suspects.