IDF Arrests Hospital Director Amidst Allegations of Hamas Operations

In a significant development on Thursday, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) apprehended Mohammed Abu Selemya, the director of Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza, along with several other staff members. The hospital has been a focal point of the Israeli military ground offensive launched on October 27, with the IDF asserting that Hamas operates a command center beneath Al-Shifa and uses the medical complex for military purposes, including tunnel entry points.

Despite consistent denials from Hamas, the Palestinian Health Ministry, and hospital authorities, the IDF has maintained its claims, linking the hospital to the captivity of hostages on October 7. The recent confirmation of the murder of Corporal Noa Marciano, whose body was found near Al-Shifa, further intensifies the conflict.

Amidst this, a four-day humanitarian pause in fighting, agreed upon by Hamas and Israel, has been delayed but is expected to commence on Friday, involving the release of hostages by Hamas and the freeing of Palestinian detainees by Israel.