Personal Info
- Country of residence: Palestine
Information
Ghassan Abu Sitta, born in 1969, is a prominent Palestinian plastic and reconstructive surgeon who holds British citizenship. His family's displacement from Beersheba in 1948 to Khan Yunis in the Gaza Strip has profoundly influenced his life and professional journey. After completing his education at the University of Glasgow in Scotland, Abu Sitta has made significant contributions to the field of medicine, particularly in conflict and war zones.
Abu Sitta is recognized as the first doctor to develop an Arabic curriculum in conflict and war medicine. He has authored several notable medical books, including "Reconstructing the Patient Injured in War" and "The Narrative of the Palestinian Wound," co-authored with Michel Nofal. His work has been featured in various prestigious newspapers and media outlets, such as Le Monde, The Independent, BBC, and CNN.
Born in Kuwait to a Palestinian father and a Lebanese mother, Abu Sitta spent his formative years there before pursuing higher education in the United Kingdom. His father, Salman Abu Sitta, is renowned for his contributions to Palestinian research and literature, earning him the nickname "Godfather of the Right of Return."
During the first Palestinian Intifada, Abu Sitta joined the Medical Aid to the Palestinians (MAP), where he played an active role in providing medical assistance and raising awareness about the Palestinian cause. He later returned to Gaza during the second Intifada to work as a surgeon, demonstrating his commitment to serving communities affected by conflict.
Throughout his career, Abu Sitta has held various academic and clinical positions, including Head of the Department of Plastic Surgery at the American University of Beirut. He has also been involved in numerous humanitarian initiatives, co-founding the Conflict Medicine Program at the Global Health Institute and serving on the board of organizations dedicated to providing medical assistance to war-injured children in the Middle East.
During the 2023 Palestinian-Israeli conflict known as Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, Abu Sitta remained in Gaza, volunteering as a doctor at Al-Shifa Hospital. His bravery and dedication to providing medical care amid the crisis have garnered international attention. However, his noble efforts have also resulted in harassment from British authorities, highlighting the challenges faced by individuals committed to humanitarian work in conflict zones.
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