Last Orthopaedic Surgeon In Northern Gaza Killed

A Palestinian doctor, believed to be the last remaining orthopaedic surgeon in northern Gaza, was killed by Israeli tank fire, according to Palestinian officials.

Dr. Sayeed Joudeh, a retired surgeon who returned to work during the ongoing conflict, died on Thursday while en route to al-Awda Hospital.

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Dr. Joudeh, who served at Kamal Adwan and al-Awda hospitals, had been vocal about the dire medical situation in Gaza. Just weeks prior, he held a placard reading “Save Us” during a press conference at Kamal Adwan Hospital.

Tragically, his plea went unanswered. According to Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, director of Kamal Adwan Hospital, “On his way to evaluate a patient at al-Awda Hospital, he was directly hit by tank fire.” Some eyewitnesses, however, claim he was struck by a drone.

The Israeli military stated it was unaware of the incident but would investigate. Louise Wateridge, a representative from the UN aid agency in Gaza, described Dr. Joudeh’s death as devastating for his family and the broader community.

She highlighted the collapse of Gaza’s healthcare system, with hospitals struggling due to a lack of sanitation, equipment, and personnel. “Patients are dying needlessly,” she said, describing the humanitarian crisis as “apocalyptic.”

Northern Gaza has faced relentless Israeli bombardment and siege for over two months, as Israel targets what it claims are regrouping Hamas operatives.

The conflict began after Hamas launched an attack on Israel on October 7 last year, killing 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages. Israel responded with a military operation in Gaza, aimed at eliminating Hamas.

According to the Hamas-run health ministry, at least 44,875 people have been killed in Gaza, the majority of them civilians, with over 100,000 injured.