No stranger to operating in conflict-torn countries, Richard Villar, a former SAS Medical Officer and current war surgeon, volunteered to provide medical support in Central Gaza during the 2024 invasion. In Gaza Medic, he offers a gripping and harrowing first-hand account of his experiences working in the war zone, where he faced his most daunting challenges yet. After travelling overland from Cairo across the Sinai Peninsula, Villar found himself working in a 200-bed hospital overrun with 700 patients, including many women and children. Conditions were dire and there was nowhere safe in Gaza. The hospital was under constant threat from drones, missiles, naval shells, and machine gun fire, making it one of the most perilous environments imaginable. Despite these dangers, he and fellow medics performed complex surgeries on victims of bombings. Medicines were limited, equipment minimal, and basic necessities such as clean water and sufficient food were luxuries. Villar's moving account transcends the politics of war to focus on the raw, often brutal, realities faced by medical professionals in conflict zones. Each day brought more mass casualties, with a healthcare system on the brink of collapse and the population facing decimation. Gaza Medic is essential reading for anyone seeking to understand the true impact of the Israel/Palestine conflict on individuals and communities. Villar's narrative is a vivid reminder that courage can be found when there is chaos all around. AUTHOR: Richard Villar is a distinguished orthopaedic surgeon with extensive experience as a war surgeon. Having served as the Medical Officer to the British SAS, he has been active in over 30 conflict zones. His expertise is recognised worldwide through his publications, lectures, and motivational speeches, and he has made numerous appearances on global radio and television. His previously published books include Knife Edge ? Life as a Special Forces Surgeon (Vineyard Press) and Winged Scalpel ? Surgeon at the Frontline of Disaster (Pen and Sword Military). He is married with three children and five grandchildren. As a Member of the British Guild of Travel Writers, Richard cherishes the outdoors, is a committed environmentalist, and can frequently be found at the top of the nearest mountain. 20 colour, 40 b/w illustrations
