Dr. Mahmoud Al-Najjar was traveling to Italy through the Kerem Abu Salem crossing on Monday (June 1st) to continue his medical studies when he was detained by Israel forces, according to local Palestinian sources.
His family says no information has been provided regarding his fate or place of detention.
According to Attia Al-Najjar, the doctor’s brother, Mahmoud had finally secured the permits needed to leave Gaza after months of efforts and was expected by the University of Tor Vergata in Rome, where he was due to continue his medical studies and specialisation.
In October 2024, Mahmoud became the sole survivor of his immediate family, with an Israeli air strike killing his wife and their four children, as well as his brother and his uncle.
Al-Najjar had published three academic research papers and hoped to complete his specialisation abroad before returning to serve Palestinians in Gaza.
