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Mohammad Abu Salmiya, the director of Gaza's largest hospital, Al Shifa Hospital, was arrested by Israeli forces on Thursday. The accusations against him include allowing the hospital to function as a command-and-control center for Hamas. 

The Israeli occupation army withdrew on Friday from the Medical Complex after approximately 10 days of its invasion, during which it destroyed wide sections of the complex.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) claim to have uncovered evidence pointing to extensive Hamas activities under Salmiya's management. And have released videos of the Israeli forces exploring the vast complex of underground “war tunnels” used by Hamas to store weapons and hide hostages.

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Al Shifa Hospital

Originally built as a 1920's British army barracks, Al Shifa Hospital aka the "Healing Hospital" underwent reconstruction by Israel when it had full control of the area.

The underground tunnel system at Al Shifa was started by Israeli engineers. But Hamas dug additional floors and added more tunnels to the basement areas originally built in the 1980s.Now, amidst the conflict, the IDF alleges that the hospital has been repurposed as a headquarters for Hamas.

 Israeli forces recently laid siege to the hospital, accusing it of facilitating terrorist activities and even showcasing underground rooms they claim were used by Hamas fighters.

Following the arrest, Gaza's health ministry announced a halt in coordination with the World Health Organization (WHO) regarding future evacuations of medical staff and patients from Israeli-besieged hospitals. The ministry expressed deep surprise at the UN and WHO's response, emphasizing that no explanation had been provided for what they deemed a crime.

While Israel insists that Al Shifa served as Hamas's nerve center, evidence supporting this claim remains contentious. IDF representatives showed reporters underground rooms and tunnels beneath the hospital, but the veracity of these assertions is yet to be fully substantiated.

Hostage Release Deal

In a much-anticipated deal groups of Israelis and Palestinians have been released under a truce brokered between Israel and Hamas. The releases brought a temporary halt to fighting in Gaza after weeks of conflict.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed 13 Israeli hostages had returned to Israel on Friday. And the released hostages are having initial medical treatment and assessments.

Qatar’s Foreign Ministry, which helped broker the agreement, confirmed that the 24 Palestinian prisoners were released as part of the deal.

The Red Cross transported the freed detainees on Friday from Gaza to the Rafah border with Egypt.

Ten Thai citizens and one Filipino citizen have also been freed under a separate agreement.

Israel's military, led by Lt Gen Herzi Halevi, asserted its commitment to the offensive. The IDF chief declared, "We are not ending the war. We will continue until we win," indicating a persistent and uncompromising stance.

Simultaneously, Israel and Lebanon reported intensified attacks along their borders. Lebanon's militant group Hezbollah claimed responsibility for firing numerous rockets, leading to interceptions by Israel's air defense. The escalating situation highlights the complexity of the geopolitical landscape in the region.

As tensions rise, the region braces for potential ramifications, and the international community closely monitors the evolving situation.