Today in Focus The doctors detained in Gaza: ‘He was dragged from the operating theatre’
Mar 3, 2025
Surgeon Khaled Al-Sir, who endured detention and torture in Gaza, shares his harrowing experiences dealing with violent conflict while providing care. Annie Kelly, an editor at the Guardian focusing on rights issues, discusses the grim realities that healthcare workers face, including targeted attacks and a collapsing medical system. Their conversation highlights the emotional toll of war, legal protections for doctors, and the dire consequences for patients in a system on the brink. It’s a powerful examination of resilience amidst chaos.
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Abdullah's Death
- Dr. Khaled Al-Sir recounts the death of his colleague, Abdullah, who dreamed of becoming a surgeon.
- Abdullah was brought to the hospital with severe injuries after leaving work and died during surgery.
Hospital Siege
- Dr. Khaled describes the IDF's siege of Nasser Hospital, where he worked.
- A volunteer nurse was shot by a sniper while trying to call his family, highlighting the danger.
Detainment and Interrogation
- Dr. Khaled was detained and interrogated by the IDF, primarily about his work and whether he saw any hostages.
- He was repeatedly questioned about his role as a surgeon.