Gaza hospital chief found among Palestinians released by Israel

Israel has released Mohammed Abu Salmiya, the head of Gaza's largest hospital, along with dozens of other Palestinian prisoners.

Salmiya had been detained for over seven months and his release was confirmed by both Israel's National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and a medical source in Gaza.

Salmiya, the director of Al Shifa hospital, was detained in November. The hospital has suffered significant damage from successive Israeli raids since the onset of the conflict following Hamas's attacks on southern Israel on October 7.

The released detainees, including Salmiya, re-entered Gaza from Israel east of Khan Yunis. A medical source at Al Aqsa hospital in Deir el-Balah reported that five detainees were admitted to Al-Aqsa hospital, while the rest were sent to hospitals in Khan Yunis. An AFP correspondent at Deir el-Balah witnessed emotional reunions between some detainees and their families, reported AFP.

Israel's military is currently verifying reports of the prisoner release. National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir confirmed the release on social media, referring to it as "security abandonment."

Israel has accused Hamas of using hospitals in Gaza as cover for military operations, a claim that Hamas denies. In May, Palestinian rights groups reported that a senior Al Shifa surgeon died in an Israeli jail after being detained, though the Israeli army stated they were unaware of the death.

Israel's offensive since October 7 has killed at least 37,877 people, predominantly civilians, according to the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza.