Gaza’s top surgeon dies in Israeli custody

Dr. Adnan Al-Bursh, a leading orthopedic surgeon from Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, has died while in custody at Israel’s Ofer prison, report Palestinian prisoner advocacy groups. Held since his arrest in December during an Israeli military operation at the Jabalya refugee camp, his death on April 19 has ignited accusations of deliberate persecution of Gaza’s medical personnel.

The Palestinian Prisoners’ Society and the Commission of Detainees’ Affairs, in their announcement, highlighted that Al-Bursh was apprehended by Israeli forces at Al-Awda Hospital where he was actively providing medical care. His body remains in custody, with Israeli authorities yet to release it.

These groups have condemned his death as indicative of a broader pattern of aggression towards healthcare providers in Gaza. The Israeli Defense Forces have not yet responded to requests for comment.

Dr. Marwan Abu Saada, director of Al-Shifa Hospital, expressed profound sorrow over the loss, noting Dr. Al-Bursh’s popularity among colleagues and patients alike for his vibrant, life-affirming nature.

Al-Bursh’s nephew, Mohammad Al-Bursh, shared the personal toll of the tragedy with CNN, describing the challenge of conveying the sudden news to family members. Dr. Al-Bursh was the youngest of nine siblings and also served as a sports adviser to the Palestinian national soccer team. Known for his dedication, he tirelessly treated patients throughout the recent conflict, briefly pausing each morning for exercise along the beach.

Mohammad recounted that during an early Israeli raid on Al-Shifa, medical staff were forced to evacuate southward or face arrest. Dr. Al-Bursh chose to move temporarily but returned to continue his work once it seemed safer, moving between hospitals as each became a target. His commitment to his duties remained unwavering until his capture on December 14. Since then, efforts to obtain details about his detention were fruitlessly met with silence from the authorities.