Last Orthopaedic Surgeon in Northern Gaza Killed, Palestinian Officials Report
A tragic loss has struck Gaza as the last known orthopaedic surgeon in its northern region was killed, reportedly by Israeli tank fire. Dr. Sayeed Joudeh, a grandfather who had returned from retirement to serve his community during the ongoing war, died on Thursday while on his way to work. Palestinian officials confirmed his death.
Dr. Joudeh had been working at both Kamal Adwan and al-Awda hospitals, key facilities struggling to provide care amidst the devastation. According to Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, director of Kamal Adwan Hospital, “He was en route to al-Awda Hospital to assess a patient when a tank fired directly at him. Sadly, he was killed instantly.” Some eyewitnesses, however, claimed that a drone attack may have been responsible.
The Israeli military stated they were unaware of the incident but were investigating the report.
Dr. Joudeh’s death leaves northern Gaza without a specialist orthopaedic surgeon, a dire blow to a region grappling with a collapsing healthcare system. Last month, at a press conference, he had held up a sign pleading, “Save Us.” His desperate message went unanswered.
Healthcare System in Ruins
Louise Wateridge, a representative of the United Nations’ primary aid agency in Gaza, described the situation as catastrophic. Speaking from Jerusalem, she remarked, “This is devastating for his family and for the people of northern Gaza who relied on him. Hospitals in Gaza are no longer functioning as hospitals. There’s no sanitation, hardly any medical staff, and no supplies. Patients are dying needlessly.”
For over two months, northern Gaza has endured relentless Israeli bombardment and a stringent siege. The humanitarian crisis has escalated to what Wateridge described as “apocalyptic.”
Conflict’s Toll on Civilians
The conflict stems from Hamas’ attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which killed 1,200 people and resulted in 251 hostages. Israel retaliated with an extensive military operation targeting Hamas within the Gaza Strip, aiming to dismantle the organization.
The toll has been staggering. According to Gaza’s health ministry, at least 44,875 people have died, with over 100,000 injured, predominantly civilians. The United Nations has deemed these figures reliable.
Tragedy struck again Thursday night, as at least 30 people were killed and 50 injured in an Israeli strike on a post office repurposed as a shelter for displaced families in central Gaza. Locals reported that many members of a single extended family were among the dead.
The Israeli military defended the strike, claiming it targeted a senior Islamic Jihad figure responsible for attacks on Israeli civilians and soldiers. They accused armed groups of using Gaza’s civilian population as human shields for their activities.
A Region in Desperation
Much of Gaza lies in ruins after continuous airstrikes, leaving countless residents displaced and in dire need of aid. For the people of northern Gaza, the loss of Dr. Sayeed Joudeh is not just the death of a doctor but a symbol of the region’s growing isolation and despair.
