Watan-The World Health Organization has reported that it has no information regarding the fate of the director of Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza, Mohammed Abu Salimah, who was arrested by the occupation forces a few days ago.
In a statement, the organization stated that Abu Salimah was arrested on November 22nd, along with five others working in the health sector, while participating in a mission led by the United Nations to evacuate patients.
On that day, in cooperation with the Palestinian Red Crescent Society, the World Health Organization participated in another joint mission for the United Nations to transport 151 patients, their families, and accompanying healthcare workers from Al-Shifa Hospital in the northern Gaza Strip.
During this mission, the team transported 73 patients suffering from ailments or serious injuries. The patients were transported in 14 ambulances provided by the Palestinian Red Crescent Society, equipped with its teams, in addition to two buses. Eight healthcare workers and 70 family members accompanied the patients.
According to the statement, three medical staff members from the Palestinian Red Crescent Society and three others from the Ministry of Health were detained.
The organization stated that two of the six detained healthcare workers have been released, while it has no information about the well-being of the remaining four healthcare workers, including the director of Al-Shifa Hospital.
The World Health Organization called for the full respect of their legal rights and human rights during their detention.
Withdrawal of the Occupation Army
The occupation army withdrew on Friday from the Al-Shifa Medical Complex in the city of Gaza after about 10 days of its invasion and destruction of parts of it.
According to medical sources, around 180 patients and 7 medical staff members are still present in Al-Shifa Hospital.
Invasion of Al-Shifa Complex
The occupation army had invaded the Al-Shifa Complex on November 14th, after besieging it for several days during which clashes occurred with Palestinian fighters in its vicinity.
After a few days, the army requested those present in the hospital to evacuate on foot. However, some of the wounded and patients could not leave due to their conditions, and some doctors and hospital staff were compelled to stay with them.
In recent days, the occupation army conducted extensive digging, searching, and sweeping operations inside the sections and buildings of the hospital, as well as its garden and parking lot. This resulted in the death of a number of displaced persons and wounded individuals inside, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza.