The World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed concern over the detention of Al-Shifa hospital's head in Gaza City by Israeli forces. During a UN mission to evacuate patients, the hospital director, Mohammad Abu Salmiya, and five other health workers were taken into custody. While two have been released, the WHO lacks information about the well-being of the remaining four, including the hospital director. The WHO has called for the full observation of their legal and human rights during detention. The Israeli army, justifying the detention, is questioning Abu Salmiya over the hospital's alleged use by Hamas, claiming it sits atop a terror network.

They allege that a tunnel complex beneath the hospital was utilized by Hamas for attacks, a claim vehemently denied by both Hamas and hospital officials. The WHO conducted three missions to Al-Shifa within a week, evacuating patients and healthcare workers. They emphasized the need to safeguard the detained health staff's rights.

 Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)