A prominent Gaza surgeon died in an Israeli prison after being detained for more than four months, according to the Palestinian Prisoner’s Club.
The Palestinian Prisoners’ Authority and the Prisoners’ Affairs Authority said, in a joint statement issued today, Thursday, that the Israeli authorities announced the death of Dr. Adnan Al-Bursh (50 years old), who was head of the orthopedic department at Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City. Authorities on April 19
According to the statement, Al-Barash was arrested along with 10 other medical staff in December last year, during the Israeli military invasion of Jabalia, where he was treating patients in Al-Awda Hospital at the time.
Prisoners’ associations blame Israel for his death, saying it is part of a “systematic attack against doctors and the health system in Gaza.”
The Israeli authorities have not yet handed over his body, according to the statement.
CNN has contacted the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) for comment.
The director of Al-Shifa Hospital, Dr. Marwan Abu Saada, told CNN that the death of Dr. Al-Barash was “shocking news for everyone, his family, the medical staff at Al-Shifa Hospital, and Dr. Adnan’s patients.” .
He said, “This is the last thing we expected, and it is difficult for the human soul to bear this news. A while ago, I was at the funeral home where his family was immersed in deep grief, unable to believe it.”
He added: “Dr. Adnan loved life. He was cheerful and loved by everyone.”
Saadeh said that he had previously asked the Israeli authorities about the arrest of his friend, but he “did not receive any news.”
But he claimed that another prisoner released from the same prison said that Al-Bursh had been tortured and killed.
CNN cannot independently verify the claim that Al-Barsh was tortured during his detention.
However, testimonies from dozens of Palestinians released by Israel in recent months have denounced the widespread use of physical and psychological abuse against those detained by Israel during the Gaza war.
The Israeli army previously stated that it treats all detainees in accordance with international law.
An unpublished UN report obtained by CNN describes beatings, sleep deprivation, sexual assault and threats of sexual violence against men and women in Israeli military custody.
Earlier on Thursday, Israel released dozens of detainees in Gaza through the Kerem Shalom border crossing. The Prisoners’ Association said in the joint statement that among the bodies was that of Ismail Khader, a 33-year-old Palestinian from Gaza, who recently died in Israeli prisons.
The death of these two men brings the total number of Palestinian prisoners who have died in Israeli prisons since October 7 to 18, according to prisoners’ associations.
“Unapologetic tv specialist. Hardcore zombie trailblazer. Infuriatingly humble problem solver.”