Dr. Mahmoud Abu Shihada, a renowned orthopaedic surgeon at Nasser Medical Hospital in Khan Yunis, experienced unimaginable suffering during 11 months in Israeli detention. Kidnapped from his hospital by Israeli forces in February of last year, his life took a drastic turn as he was thrust into a brutal environment of torture, deprivation, and humiliation. Released in poor health, Dr. Mahmoud returned to Gaza, greeted by his mother and loved ones. Yet, his heart remains with the prisoners still languishing in Israeli prisons.

During his imprisonment, Dr. Mahmoud endured solitary confinement, physical abuse, and psychological torment. Stripped of his dignity, he was also denied adequate food and medical care, causing severe physical and mental health deterioration. Despite these hardships, he held firm to his faith and sense of duty. "They wanted to break me, but my spirit remained unyielding. My role as a doctor is to serve humanity, and they cannot take that away," he said.

Now back in Gaza, Dr. Mahmoud is determined to resume his medical duties, despite his frail condition. His focus remains on treating victims of the ongoing Israeli aggression, which has devastated Gaza for over 460 days. However, he continues to advocate for the rights of Palestinian prisoners, vowing to shed light on their suffering and the inhumane conditions they face.

The health system in Gaza faces unprecedented challenges, compounded by relentless Israeli airstrikes targeting hospitals and medical personnel. The World Health Organization (WHO) recently issued warnings about the system's imminent collapse. Attacks on hospitals, such as the burning of Kamal Adwan Hospital and the detention of 450 medical workers, including hospital directors, have left the system on the brink of disaster.

Dr. Mahmoud’s ordeal exemplifies the resilience of Gaza’s medical community in the face of relentless adversity. His story is a testament to the enduring human spirit and a stark reminder of the urgent need for international action to safeguard health services and secure the release of detained medical personnel.