On 19 April 2024, Israeli forces killed Adnan Al-Bursh, Gaza’s most prominent orthopaedic surgeon, a man who dedicated his life to treating the injured. His loss is deeply felt by his wife, Yasmine, who waited anxiously for his return but never had the chance to say goodbye.

In their final conversation, Adnan spoke hurriedly: "Yasmine, the Israeli army is calling me; take care of yourself and the children and pray for me." Shortly after, he was killed when Israeli forces stormed Al-Awda Hospital in Jabalia.

Yasmine recalls how her ordeal began months earlier, on 18 December 2023, when Adnan was detained while working at Al-Awda Hospital. For weeks, his family had no information about his whereabouts or condition. Desperate for answers, Yasmine sought out survivors of Israeli detention, hoping for even a glimmer of hope that her husband might still be alive.

When she finally learned of Adnan’s death, Yasmine turned to witnesses who had been detained alongside him. One of them described the horrific torture he endured at the hands of Israeli interrogators. Adnan had been shackled by his hands and feet, beaten relentlessly, and thrown to the ground with such force that his head struck the floor, leaving him unconscious. He succumbed to his injuries shortly after.

Despite his death, Adnan lives on in the memories of those he healed and in the heart of Yasmine. She recalls his refusal to leave northern Gaza during the early days of the war, determined to save lives at Al-Shifa Medical Hospital. "Adnan treated every injured child as though they were his own," she says. "He worked tirelessly to save as many lives as he could amidst the atrocities."

When Israeli forces stormed Al-Shifa Hospital, Adnan decided to return to his neighbourhood in northern Gaza. Later, at the Indonesian Hospital, he faced an overwhelming number of surgeries as the only orthopaedic surgeon available. Undeterred, he worked tirelessly, performing back-to-back operations to treat the injured.

Dr Adnan Al-Bursh gave his life in service to his people. His legacy of selflessness, compassion, and sacrifice will forever remain in the hearts of those he saved and in the unwavering love of his wife, Yasmine.