Tragic Death of Gaza Surgeon in Israeli Prison
In a heartbreaking development, a prominent surgeon in Gaza has passed away in an Israeli prison after being detained for over four months. Dr. Adnan Al-Bursh, who headed orthopedics at Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, was declared dead by Israeli authorities on April 19. This news has sparked outrage among Palestinian prisoners’ groups, who condemned his death as part of a larger pattern of targeting healthcare workers.
Al-Bursh was among 10 medical professionals detained during the Israeli military invasion of the Jabalya refugee camp in December. He was taken into custody while treating patients at Al-Awda Hospital. Despite his death, Israeli authorities have not released his body, adding to the distress of his colleagues and loved ones.
According to the prisoner associations, Israel’s actions against Al-Bursh are part of a systematic targeting process aimed at physicians and the healthcare system in Gaza. The director of Al-Shifa Hospital, Dr. Marwan Abu Saada, expressed deep sorrow over the loss, describing Al-Bursh as a beloved figure known for his dedication and compassion.
Abu Saada revealed that he had inquired about Al-Bursh’s detention to Israeli authorities but received no updates. A former fellow prisoner, who had been released, claimed that the surgeon had been tortured and ultimately killed. While these allegations cannot be independently verified, testimonies from other released detainees have highlighted instances of abuse by Israeli forces.
The release of dozens of Gaza detainees, including the return of Ismail Khadr’s body, who also died in Israeli custody, has further fueled concerns over the treatment of Palestinian prisoners. With the death toll of detainees rising, the situation in Gaza remains dire, with millions facing starvation and a looming humanitarian catastrophe.
Israel’s military actions in Gaza have drawn widespread condemnation, particularly regarding raids on hospitals and medical facilities. While Israel claims these facilities were being used by Hamas for military purposes, medical groups dispute these allegations. With international pressure mounting, calls for a ceasefire in Gaza have intensified to prevent further loss of life and ensure the protection of healthcare workers.
