Salah was widely respected for his leadership and commitment to maintaining order amid Gaza’s challenges. He co-founded the Arafat Police Academy in the late 1990s and later established several key police units, including a specialized force to counter lawlessness and theft, especially amid ongoing humanitarian operations. Recently, he played a pivotal role in ensuring the safe delivery of aid to Gaza’s southern regions, thwarting attacks by criminal groups collaborating with Israeli forces.
His leadership extended beyond security operations, as he maintained strong connections with various political, legal, and humanitarian bodies locally and internationally. He was also a certified trainer in international law and humanitarian law, recognized by the International Committee of the Red Cross.
On Thursday, January 2, 2025, General Salah was killed during an air raid in Gaza, while performing his duties alongside his deputy, Major General Hussam Shahwan. His tragic death is part of a broader escalation of violence following the continued Israeli airstrikes in the region, adding to the casualties from the ongoing conflict. His loss deeply impacts the efforts to maintain law and order in Gaza amid widespread destruction.
The Ministry of Interior and National Security in Gaza mourns the loss of its top police leader, emphasizing the enormous vacuum created in the leadership of the Palestinian Police as well as in the broader humanitarian efforts under siege.
Source:وزارة الداخلية الفلسطينية
