Izzeldin Abuelaish, often referred to as "the Gaza doctor," is a Canadian-Palestinian medical doctor and author known for his advocacy for peace between Palestinians and Israelis. Born in the Jabalia refugee camp in the Gaza Strip, Abuelaish has overcome significant hardships, including poverty and violence, to become a leading figure in promoting reconciliation in the Middle East. He studied medicine at the University of Cairo and further specialized in obstetrics and gynecology in London.

His life took a tragic turn during the Gaza War in January 2009, when Israeli tank fire killed his three daughters, Bessan, Mayar, and Aya, and his niece Noor. Despite this immense personal loss, Abuelaish has refused to succumb to hatred or seek revenge. Instead, he has called for peace and understanding, hoping that his daughters' deaths will be the last sacrifice on the road to peace.

Abuelaish is the author of the acclaimed memoir I Shall Not Hate: A Gaza Doctor's Journey on the Road to Peace and Human Dignity, which has been translated into multiple languages and has garnered international attention. He is also the founder of the Daughters for Life Foundation, established in memory of his daughters to support the education of women from the Middle East.

Currently, Abuelaish is an Associate Professor at the Dalla Lana School of Public Health at the University of Toronto, Canada, where he continues to inspire and educate others about peace and development. His work has earned him numerous humanitarian awards, and he has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize multiple times.