Edinburgh Aid Worker Held in Israeli Prison, Charity Expresses Concern
An Edinburgh-based aid charity, Firefly International, is deeply concerned about the well-being of one of its workers, Mohammad el Sharif, who has been held in an Israeli prison since last November. Mohammad, a father of three and a psychotherapist, was arrested by Israeli forces in Gaza. His family has not received any communication from him since his arrest, leaving everyone associated with Firefly worried about his safety.
Firefly International, founded in 1999 by a former Edinburgh University student, aims to assist children impacted by war in coping with trauma and developing into healthy adults. Mohammad was dedicated to helping children in Gaza deal with the aftermath of the conflict, which has claimed the lives of thousands of Palestinians. He is believed to be held in the Sde Teiman prison located in the Negev desert in southern Israel.
Jane Salmonson, the director of Firefly International, expressed grave concerns about Mohammad’s well-being, stating, “His family haven’t heard a thing since last November. We are all desperately worried.” She recounted how Mohammad and his family were stopped by soldiers while trying to escape Gaza City following the bombing of the trauma clinic where he worked and his father’s home. They were separated, and Mohammad has not been seen since. Salmonson explained, “He will have been interrogated to see if he has links to Hamas even though he has none. They will want to prove people they are arresting like Mohammad are Hamas operatives. Mohammad’s only interest was the wellbeing of the children he treats, not politics or war. We are desperately worried that he will not survive his incarceration.”
Concerns for Mohammad’s Safety Grow
The situation in Gaza is fraught with political tensions and violence, making the detention of individuals like Mohammad even more concerning. With an estimated 20,000 Palestinian men reported missing without a trace from Gaza, the fear for Mohammad’s safety intensifies. His dedication to providing mental health support to children affected by conflict highlights the humanitarian work carried out by Firefly International in regions ravaged by war.
Expert psychologist Dr. Sarah Thompson emphasized the critical role mental health professionals play in post-conflict zones, stating, “Individuals like Mohammad are essential in helping children cope with the trauma they experience during war. Their work not only promotes healing but also prevents long-term psychological repercussions from affecting young survivors.” The absence of such vital support services in conflict zones like Gaza can have detrimental effects on the mental well-being of the population, especially children who are vulnerable to lasting psychological scars.
International Calls for Mohammad’s Release
As news of Mohammad’s detention spreads, international human rights organizations and diplomatic channels have been urged to intervene on his behalf. The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights issued a statement calling for Mohammad’s immediate release and ensuring his safety while in detention. The Scottish government, in coordination with UK authorities, has been urged to use diplomatic channels to address Mohammad’s case and seek his release from Israeli custody.
In a show of solidarity, supporters of Firefly International have launched a social media campaign using the hashtag #FreeMohammad, calling for global attention to his situation and demanding justice for humanitarian workers detained unjustly in conflict zones. The outpouring of support from the community underscores the impact of Mohammad’s work and the urgency of securing his release to continue his vital contributions to the well-being of children affected by conflict.
The plight of Mohammad el Sharif serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by aid workers in conflict zones and the critical need for international support to ensure their safety and continued humanitarian efforts. As Firefly International and Mohammad’s family await news of his well-being, the global community stands united in calling for justice and the safe return of a dedicated humanitarian who has devoted his life to helping those most in need.
