Israel Releases Gaza Hospital Director Amid Controversy

Israel has released Mohammad Abu Salmiya, the director of Gaza's Al-Shifa Hospital, along with around 50 other Palestinians, after detaining him for over seven months. Both Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stated they were unaware of the decision. This move has drawn immediate backlash in Israel, where no charges against Abu Salmiya had been made public.

Human rights groups have criticized the prolonged detention, citing it as evidence of Israeli mistreatment of Palestinian prisoners. Meanwhile, some Israeli officials denounced the release, accusing defense officials of mismanagement. Far-right ministers and opposition leaders, including Benny Gantz and Yair Lapid, also condemned the decision.

Additionally, Spain has joined South Africa's petition accusing Israel of genocide at the International Court of Justice. In response to international recognition of a Palestinian state, Israel's far-right finance minister approved the establishment of five new settlements.

Protests and Hostage Situations: Protests erupted in Tel Aviv demanding the release of hostages held by Hamas. Al-Jazeera aired footage showing Israeli soldiers allegedly using Palestinian detainees as human shields.

Rocket Attacks and Evacuations: Palestinian Islamic Jihad claimed responsibility for firing about 20 rockets into Israel. The IDF called for evacuations in eastern Khan Yunis, signaling a potential ground assault.

Lebanon and Hezbollah: The IDF struck Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon, while Hezbollah drone attacks injured Israeli soldiers in the Golan Heights.

International Reactions: The U.K. condemned new Israeli settlements, urging an end to settlement expansion and violence. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized the need for a diplomatic solution to prevent an Israeli occupation or Hamas leadership in Gaza.

West Bank and Houthi Drones: IDF actions in the West Bank resulted in the deaths of a woman and a teenager. In the Red Sea, the U.S. military destroyed three Houthi maritime drones.

The conflict has resulted in significant casualties, with at least 37,900 Palestinians killed and 87,060 wounded according to Gaza's Health Ministry. The war follows months of domestic political turmoil in Israel, marked by controversial judicial reforms and escalating violence between Palestinians and Israeli settlers.