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Release of Shifa director causes uproar in Israeli political establishment

1 July 2024 10:24 BST

The release of Shifa hospital director Dr. Muhammad Abu Salmiya has sparked angry reactions in Israel where many politicians are inciting against him. 

According to Walla news, ministers expressed rage at his release in a WhatsApp group chat.

“Why is this man, in whose hospital hostages were murdered and a Hamas command centre operated, being released?” said Amichai Chikli, diaspora affairs minister. 

Orit Strock, settlements minister, replied: “It is unthinkable to do such a thing without a cabinet meeting. I’m seriously asking, under what authority [was this done]?”

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir said on X the release was the result of “security negligence”.

The father of a slain Israeli captive, Noa Marciano, who was killed by Israeli air strikes according to Hamas, accused Abu Salmiya of being  "indirectly responsible for her murder" as he criticised the government for his release.  

Benny Gantz, an opposition leader and a former war cabinet, described often as a "moderate" figure, said Abu Salmiya's release was "a moral and ethical operational error" by the government. 

The office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the release came following a petition filed to the high court against the detention of prisoners at the notorious Sde Teiman detention facility.

He said he ordered an immediate investigation, adding that the identity of the released prisoners is "determined independently by the security officials based on their professional considerations".

Defence Minister Yoav Gallant issued a similar statement distancing himself from the release. 

"The procedure for incarcerating security prisoners and their release is under the Shin Bet and the Israel Prison Service, and is not subject to the approval of the defence minister," his office said. 

Abu Salmiya said he was surprised by the Israeli reactions.

He told reporters his release followed a formal legal process during which he was not found guilty of anything. 

According to Israeli broadcaster Kan, he was released with other Palestinians on Monday due to overcrowding in Israeli detention facilities.