Dr. Ghassan Abu Sittah clinches Global Muslim Health Person of the Year

Renowned British-Palestinian plastic and reconstructive surgeon, Dr. Ghassan Abu Sittah, has clinched the Global Muslim Health Person of the Year (MNAwards2024/25) for his exceptional medical service and humanitarian efforts in the Gaza Strip during the brutal two-year Israeli genocidal war.

The announcement was made on Monday, December 1, by Rasheed Abubakar, Publisher of Muslim News Nigeria, a leading faith-based newspaper dedicated to celebrating Muslim achievers whose work uplifts both the Ummah and humanity at large.

Abubakar said Dr. Abu Sittah’s unwavering commitment to treating war victims under extreme conditions, including his work at Al-Shifa and Al-Ahli hospitals amid relentless bombardment, earned him global recognition.

He noted that despite life-threatening risks and severe shortages, the British-Palestinian surgeon emerged as a symbol of both medical excellence and moral courage.

The award, he added, honours not only Dr. Abu Sittah’s surgical expertise but also his fearless advocacy, as he continues to speak out against injustice and stand in solidarity with oppressed people around the world.

Abubakar, Convener of the MNAwards, cited one harrowing night, reported by multiple media, when Dr. Abu Sittah performed six amputations, a grim reflection of the devastating injuries caused by Israeli airstrikes on innocent Palestinians over the two-year onslaught.

“Many of his patients were children,” he noted, “underscoring the profound human cost of the conflict and the surgeon’s heroic dedication, which has earned him international accolades and recognition.”

For over two decades, Dr. Abu Sittah has been at the forefront of war-zone medicine, but his role during the 2023–2025 Israeli genocidal war on Gaza has solidified his reputation as a global symbol of medical resistance and compassion. Working in overcrowded and under-equipped hospitals under constant threat of bombardment, he risked his life daily to save others.

The Publisher of Muslim News Nigeria highlighted Dr. Abu Sittah’s courageous stand against Israel’s deliberate targeting of hospitals, describing it as a calculated war strategy aimed at dismantling Gaza’s fragile healthcare infrastructure.

According to him, “Despite the grave dangers, Dr. Abu Sittah refused to remain silent. He openly criticized Western governments for their support of the Israeli regime and the punitive actions taken against those who dare to speak out.

He entered Gaza in October 2023, shortly after Israel launched its bombardment, and worked in hospitals such as Al-Shifa and Al-Ahli Arab Hospital. However, he left Gaza after several weeks due to the escalating Israeli attacks and the deteriorating humanitarian situation, which made continued medical work nearly impossible.

Since leaving, he has continued to be a vocal advocate, speaking internationally about the healthcare crisis, Israeli war crimes, and the targeting of medical facilities. He has also faced political backlash, including entry bans from Germany and France, because of his outspoken stance.

He criticized Israel for allegedly extracting organs from the bodies of Palestinians returned in sealed bags, describing the act as a grave ethical and humanitarian violation. In an interview with Al Jazeera, he stated that the organs removed were those typically used in transplant surgeries, including the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, and corneas.

The claims were later confirmed by Palestinian authorities in Gaza, who called for an international committee to investigate what they described as a “horrific crime.”

Although he wasn’t in Gaza throughout the entire conflict, his presence during the peak of the attacks, along with his continued global advocacy, firmly established him as a prominent figure in medical humanitarian work.

These documented efforts bring to light Dr. Abu Sittah’s vital role in the broader conversation on healthcare in conflict zones, especially Gaza. They strongly justify his selection as the Global Muslim Health Person of the Year 2025, in recognition of his medical service, advocacy, and unwavering moral stance.

While congratulating Dr. Abu Sittah for his selfless service to humanity during the ongoing conflict in Gaza, Muslim News Nigeria Publisher also extends heartfelt condolences to the over 1,722 healthcare workers who lost their lives in the line of duty. Among those who made the ultimate sacrifice are Dr. Ayman Abu Al-Ouf, Dr. Khaled Al-Masri, and Dr. Razan Al-Najjar.

“We will also not forget the eight Red Cross paramedics killed by Israeli soldiers, along with six Civil Defence first responders and a UN staff member. Their dedication and bravery will forever be remembered.”

We also acknowledge the many medical professionals who have been detained by the Israeli regime, forcibly displaced, or evacuated amidst the violence. Notable among them are Dr. Ahmad Mhanna and Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, both of whom were arrested while steadfastly providing care under dire conditions. Others, including numerous healthcare workers, have been forced to flee or operate under extremely difficult circumstances to continue serving the people of Gaza.

Muslim News Nigeria honours all these brave men and women, whose sacrifices embody the spirit of compassion and resilience in the face of adversity.

Despite attempts to silence his voice and restrict his international movement, Dr. Abu Sittah continued to speak out against the deliberate targeting of Gaza’s health infrastructure. His work has come to symbolise courage, compassion, and resilience in the face of injustice.

Congratulations, Barakallahu fih.