Israeli forces have detained Dr Mohammed Abu Salmiya, the director of Gaza City's al-Shifa Hospital, for questioning, following a controversial raid at the facility. The arrest took place at a checkpoint as Dr Abu Salmiya was evacuating patients to the south, according to a colleague who spoke to the BBC.

The Israeli military stated that the hospital was being investigated for evidence that it had served as a Hamas command and control center. Both Dr Abu Salmiya and Hamas have vehemently denied these allegations.

In another concerning development, heavy fire has been reported around the Indonesian Hospital in Beit Lahia. Israeli troops have reportedly ordered its full evacuation, although the Israeli military is still verifying these reports.

Israel launched a major military campaign aimed at dismantling Hamas, which it designates as a terrorist organization. This operation was sparked by a cross-border attack on October 7th, resulting in the death of 1,200 people and the kidnapping of around 240 others.

Gaza's Hamas-run government claims that over 14,500 people have been killed since the start of Israeli air and ground strikes, while the United Nations has expressed alarm over the escalating humanitarian crisis.

On Wednesday, an agreement was reached between Israel and Hamas to exchange 50 hostages, consisting of women and children, for a four-day ceasefire. Al-Shifa Hospital, the largest medical facility in Gaza, is estimated to have approximately 250 remaining patients and staff members. While the hospital is no longer operational, a coordinated effort between the United Nations, the World Health Organization, and other humanitarian agencies facilitated the safe evacuation of 190 wounded and sick individuals, along with medical teams, to the south on Wednesday.

However, the evacuation process faced numerous obstacles, enduring almost 20 hours due to meticulous inspections at the Salah al-Din Road checkpoint. Three paramedics and a companion of a wounded person were temporarily detained during this procedure, with two of them subsequently released. Colleague Awni Khattab, a paramedic, remains in detention as of now. Dr Adnan al-Bursh, the head of orthopaedics at al-Shifa, also reported being detained while accompanying the evacuated patients on Wednesday.

The Israeli military confirmed on Thursday afternoon that Dr Abu Salmiya was taken for questioning by the Shin Bet internal security agency. They allege that al-Shifa Hospital, under his management, served as a Hamas command and control center. They further claim that the hospital's underground tunnel complex was exploited by Hamas, and that weapons were stored on the premises. The Israeli military also alleges that after the October 7th attack, Hamas sought refuge within the hospital, and it is alleged that a female soldier taken hostage was murdered there.

Hamas and hospital staff, as well as health ministry officials, have categorically denied these claims. Hamas maintains that the soldier was killed in an Israeli airstrike.

Meanwhile, embedded journalists were shown further evidence of a Hamas "terror tunnel complex" beneath al-Shifa Hospital. A Reuters reporter confirmed accessing a reinforced underground tunnel through an outdoor shaft on the hospital's grounds, leading to various rooms allegedly used by Hamas commanders.

It is important to note that hospitals are internationally protected under humanitarian law, safeguarding patients, as well as medical staff and ambulances.

In a separate incident, Israeli troops have ordered the full evacuation of the Indonesian Hospital, which has been under heavy fire in recent days. Dr Marwan Sultan, the hospital's medical director, described the situation as "very difficult" with frequent firing targeting the building. The hospital currently houses 10 medical professionals and 200 patients. Dr Sultan expressed concern that a similar scenario to that of al-Shifa Hospital may unfold unless a truce is established. The Indonesian Hospital has requested assistance from Gaza's health ministry for the safe evacuation of patients.

The Israeli military has confirmed strikes in the Jabalia area near the Indonesian Hospital, and deadly attacks have also been reported in the northern region of Gaza and the southern city of Khan Younis.

As the conflict continues to escalate, concerns about the humanitarian crisis and the protection of medical facilities and personnel intensify. The international community is closely monitoring the situation and calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities to safeguard the lives of innocent civilians caught in the midst of this deadly conflict.