Dr Taher’s selfless work as part of the European medical team in Gaza went beyond the call of duty. Not only did he perform over 290 surgeries and treat more than 1,100 injured Palestinians under extreme conditions of scarcity and danger, but he also exemplified resilience, compassion, and dedication under the most difficult circumstances. Dr Taher, an Iraqi surgeon, became widely recognised in 2024–2025 for his extraordinary service as part of a European medical mission to Gaza during the ongoing humanitarian crisis. His work was marked by unwavering dedication, compassion, and professionalism in the face of airstrikes and medical shortages. Dr Taher’s efforts not only saved lives, but also stood as a testament to the moral responsibility of medical professionals to serve humanity beyond borders and politics.