In brief
Dr. Sayeed Joudeh, the last known orthopaedic surgeon in northern Gaza, was reportedly killed by an Israeli airstrike, exacerbating the dire medical situation in the region where essential healthcare is increasingly compromised amidst the ongoing violence.
In northern Gaza, a heartbreaking loss has been reported as Dr. Sayeed Joudeh, believed to be the last remaining orthopaedic surgeon, was killed during an Israeli military strike on Thursday. Palestinian officials confirmed his death occurred while he was en route to work at al-Awda Hospital. Dr. Joudeh had resumed his medical practice in a desperate bid to assist the war-torn community, and was known for his passionate outcry for help, evidenced by a placard he showcased at a press conference stating "Save US". According to Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, director of Kamal Adwan Hospital, Dr. Joudeh was struck by tank fire. However, eyewitnesses reported he could have also been hit by a drone. The Israeli military has since stated it was unaware of the incident and is conducting an investigation. Dr. Joudeh's death is emblematic of a broader crisis with medical facilities in Gaza. Louise Wateridge, a representative from the UN aid agency, expressed the profound implications of his loss, saying, "It’s devastating for his family and those in the north who are reliant on such few doctors." She painted a grim picture of the healthcare system, describing hospitals as lacking sanitation, medical personnel, and equipment—conditions leading to unnecessary fatalities among patients.The ongoing military actions have had catastrophic effects within Gaza, which has been subjected to relentless bombardment for over two months. Israel asserts that their operations are aimed at eliminating Hamas operatives believed to be regrouping in the region following a surprise attack that killed over a thousand Israelis in October last year. The aftermath of these ongoing strikes has reportedly resulted in over 44,000 deaths and significant injuries, the majority of which are civilians, according to figures provided by the Hamas-led health ministry, deemed reliable by the United Nations.Recent violence has seen additional casualties, including a tragic incident where an airstrike on a makeshift shelter resulted in over 30 deaths, many of them from a single extended family. While Israel claims their operations target specific militants, they have been accused of using civilian populations as shields, raising serious concerns over humanitarian conditions worsening in this war-ravaged territory.
