Head Of Gaza Hospital Free From Prison: Israeli PM-Minister Of Defense Moves Away, Minister Of Security-Head Of Intel Accuses Each Other

Illustration of PM Netanyahu chairing the Israeli War Cabinet meeting. (Source: GPO/Kobi Gideon)

JAKARTA - The prime minister, minister, and chief intelligence of the Israeli government under Benjamin Netanyahu were shocked, angry and blamed each other when the head of Gaza's hospital was released from his prison on Monday.

Israeli authorities released about 50 Palestinian prisoners on the eastern border of central and southern Gaza. One of the detainees released was Al Shifa Medical Complex Director in Gaza City Dr. Mohammed Abu Salmiya, who had been detained for seven months, following Israeli military operations at the hospital last November, quoted from Anadolu July 1.

Abu Salmiya was arrested on November 23 along with several medical staff while traveling via Jalan Salah al-Din from Gaza City to the southern region of the Gaza Strip after the Israeli military attacked Al-Shifa Hospital.

Salmiya's release angered Israeli officials. Israeli media published pictures of ministers discussing the matter in the government's WhatsApp group.

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu both distanced themselves from this release.

"The procedure for the detention of security prisoners and their release is under the Shin Bet and the Israel Prison Service, and is not subject to the approval of the defense minister," the Defense Minister's office said.

The Shin Bet is under the jurisdiction of the Prime Minister's Office, while Israel's Prison Service is under the Ministry of National Security Itamar Ben Gvir.

Meanwhile, PM Netanyahu's Office said "the decision to release prisoners was to participate in discussions at the High Court regarding a petition for detention of prisoners at the Sde Teiman detention facility."

"The identity of the released detainees is independently determined by security officials based on their professional considerations," the statement continued.

The Prime Minister's Office added that PM Netanyahu had ordered an immediate investigation into the matter.

Israeli broadcaster KAN said, citing the office of Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, who said, "The defense minister is not aware of the decision to release the director of Al-Shifa Hospital."

Separately, Israel's National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir described the release of Abu Salmiya and dozens of other Palestinian prisoners as "security irregularities."

"It is time for the Prime Minister to stop the Gallant and head of the Shin Bet from carrying out independent policies that contradict the position of the Cabinet and the Government," he wrote on X.

Responding to the commotion of release, the Shin Bet security agency said it was forced to send prisoners back to the Gaza Strip, due to a lack of space in Israeli prisons and plans to stop using the Sde Teiman detention facility.

The agency explained the decision had been made recently to only detain Palestinian prisoners in Sde Teiman for a short time, and therefore, the agency and the IDF are required to release dozens of prisoners from prison to provide space for more significant terrorist suspects.

"For about a year, the Shin Bet has warned in every possible forum about the detention crisis and the need to increase the number (cells), given the need to arrest terrorists in the West Bank and Gaza Strip," the agency said in a statement.

"The detention crisis has led to the cancellation of the arrest of suspects involved in terrorist activities every day, and directly endangers state security," Shin Bet continued.

"Unfortunately, this request was forwarded to all relevant parties, the most important thing was the minister of national security, who was responsible for this, was not responded to, and in practice, the number (cells) did not increase as needed," he said, referring to Itamar Ben Gvir.

The Shin Bet said it was against the release of Palestinian prisoners in the West Bank, because of their "direct" concerns that they would resume attacks, as well as members of elite Hamas Nukhba forces and other Gaza terrorists involved in fighting and attacks on civilians.

It said it was in accordance with "state needs as stipulated by the National Security Council," it was decided to release some detainees who did not pose a significant threat.

The agency said the release was carried out after "checking the dangers felt by all detainees."

Shin Bet said Abu Salmiya "has met all requirements (for release) regarding the level of danger it poses," but added it would investigate the decision to release him.

"Because there is no other choice, without a direct solution to the prison room crisis, arrests will continue to be canceled and detainees will continue to be released," the agency added.