Israeli Prison Death of Gaza Surgeon Sparks Outrage
CNN
CNN
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Healthcare Targeted
A Palestinian surgeon, Dr. Adnan Al-Bursh, head of orthopedics at Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, has died in an Israeli prison after being held for over four months. Palestinian prisoners’ groups have decried his death as part of a “systematic targeting” of healthcare workers.
Arrest in Gaza
Al-Bursh, along with 10 other medical workers, was arrested in December during the Israeli military ground invasion of the Jabalya refugee camp. He was taken away while treating patients in Al-Awda Hospital.
Questionable Treatment
The prisoner associations blamed Israel for Al-Bursh’s death, stating it was part of a “systematic targeting process against physicians and the health care system in Gaza.” Israeli authorities have not yet released his body, and CNN has reached out to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) for comment.
Loss Felt in Gaza
The death of the 50-year-old surgeon has left his family, colleagues, and patients devastated. Dr. Marwan Abu Saada, the director of Al-Shifa Hospital, described it as “heartbreaking news for everyone.” Al-Bursh was known for his dedication and passion for his work.
Ministry of Health in Gaza
Palestinian surgeon Al-Bursh (left) is pictured treating a wounded Palestinian child at a hospital in Gaza.
Allegations of Abuse
Torture Claims
There are allegations that Al-Bursh was tortured during his detention. Testimonies from Palestinians who have been released by Israel in the past months have alleged the widespread use of physical and psychological abuse. An unpublished report by the United Nations describes beatings, sleep deprivation, sexual abuse, and threats of sexual violence against detainees.
Denial and Criticism
Israel has previously stated that it treats all detainees in accordance with international law. There has been fierce criticism of Israel’s actions in and around hospitals in Gaza, as medical groups and NGOs warn that the health system in the territory is on the brink of collapse. Israel has defended its military raids at medical facilities, but allegations of using hospitals for military activities continue to be disputed.
Ongoing Crisis
The Israeli military offensive in Gaza has resulted in the death of over 34,600 people and has left half of the 2.2 million population on the brink of starvation. The Gaza health ministry has declared a humanitarian catastrophe, and concerns are growing over an anticipated Israeli military operation in southern Gaza’s Rafah. International pressure for a ceasefire has intensified.
