Israeli forces detain senior Gaza health official: health authorities

GAZA -- Gaza's health authorities said on Monday that a senior official was detained by Israeli special forces disguised in civilian clothing near a field hospital in southern Gaza.

In a press statement, the health authorities said Marwan Al-Hams, director of Abu Youssef Al-Najjar Hospital and head of Gaza's field hospital operations, was detained while on his way to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) field hospital in the city of Rafah.

According to the statement, Israeli forces opened fire on the ambulance transporting Al-Hams, killing one of his companions and injuring two others, including the driver. Palestinian journalist Tamer Al-Zaanin was also killed in the incident.

The Hamas-run government media office in Gaza condemned the abduction and the use of force, describing it as "a grave violation of international humanitarian law."

It called on the ICRC to "take a clear and firm stance" on the matter.

"Targeting medical personnel during the performance of their humanitarian duties constitutes a blatant breach of the Geneva Conventions," the Gaza media office said, urging the international community to intervene and ensure the protection of Gaza's healthcare sector.

There was no immediate comment from the Israeli military over the incident.

The detention comes amid escalating tensions in southern Gaza, where Israeli forces have been conducting frequent military operations, prompting growing concern from international organizations over the safety of humanitarian and medical personnel.