Dr. Adnan Al Bursh, 50, the pinnacle of the orthopaedic division at Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza Metropolis, died on April 19, 2024, in Ofer jail, a detention facility within the West Financial institution. His physique has not but been launched by Israeli authorities.
Earlier than his dying, he had reportedly been beaten in jail, along with his physique displaying indicators of torture.
Dr. Al Bursh had been detained with different docs and medical personnel by Israeli forces on 18 December 2023, at Al Awda Hospital in North Gaza. At the moment, he was typically in good well being and was performing his duties usually.
Name for unbiased probe
Tlaleng Mofokeng, UN Particular Rapporteur on the proper to well being, said she was “horrified” by the information.
“He was detained whereas enterprise his obligation to sufferers and caring for them in keeping with the oath he took as a medical practitioner … he died for making an attempt to guard the rights to life and well being of his sufferers,” she stated.
The professional underscored the necessity for an unbiased probe.
“Dr. Adnan’s case raises critical issues that he died following torture by the hands of Israeli authorities. His dying calls for an unbiased worldwide investigation,” the Particular Rapporteur stated.
Issues of security of healthworkers
Ms. Mofokeng additionally raised issues over the security of healthcare staff amidst Israel’s relentless navy operation in Gaza following the brutal assaults by Hamas and different teams in southern Israel on 7 October.
“I’m deeply saddened that I proceed to obtain reviews of docs being killed on this battle,” she stated.
The Ministry of Well being in Gaza has reported that no less than 493 healthcare staff from Gaza have been killed since 7 October 2023. This contains nurses, paramedics, docs, and different medical personnel. Many extra have been injured.
The UN World Well being Group (WHO) has reported that no less than 214 healthcare staff have been detained by Israeli forces whereas on obligation.
Medical doctors shouldn’t be killed
“The killing and detention of healthcare staff just isn’t a official technique of warfare. They’ve a official and important function to take care of sick and wounded individuals throughout occasions of battle,” Ms. Mofokeng stated.
“Healthcare staff shouldn’t be killed training their occupation.”
The Particular Rapporteur urged Israel to right away launch all healthcare staff arbitrarily detained in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory, and reiterated her name for a right away ceasefire.
Impartial professional
Appointed by the Human Rights Council – the UN’s highest intergovernmental discussion board on human rights – and forming part of its Special Procedures, Particular Rapporteurs are mandated to watch and assess the rights scenario in sure thematic or nation conditions.
They work voluntarily – unbiased of governments and the UN, should not UN workers and don’t obtain a wage.
