The reported killing of Dr. Sayeed Joudeh, believed to be the last orthopaedic surgeon in northern Gaza, highlights the escalating humanitarian crisis as the region faces third month of conflict. Calls for a ceasefire intensify amid allegations of civilian casualties from military operations aimed at Hamas.
Last Orthopaedic Surgeon in Northern Gaza Reportedly Killed Amid Ongoing Conflict
Last Orthopaedic Surgeon in Northern Gaza Reportedly Killed Amid Ongoing Conflict
Palestinian officials confirm the death of Dr. Sayeed Joudeh, an orthopaedic surgeon, as the humanitarian crisis in northern Gaza deepens due to bombardments and a lack of medical resources.
The ongoing conflict in Gaza has claimed the life of Dr. Sayeed Joudeh, a prominent orthopaedic surgeon, as reported by Palestinian officials. Dr. Joudeh, who had recently come out of retirement to assist in the medical crisis exacerbated by ongoing violence, was killed by what witnesses claim was Israeli tankfire while en route to his workplace at al-Awda Hospital.
This tragic incident occurred on Thursday morning as Dr. Joudeh attempted to reach the Kamal Adwan Hospital to evaluate a patient. Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, the director of Kamal Adwan Hospital, stated that Dr. Joudeh was struck directly by a tank shell. However, some eyewitnesses contend that he was hit by a drone. The Israeli military stated that it was unaware of the incident but committed to an investigation.
Dr. Joudeh's death adds to the alarmingly high casualty figures reported in Gaza, where the Hamas-run health ministry claims that over 44,875 people, mainly civilians, have died since the onset of renewed violence following a deadly Hamas attack in Southern Israel last October.
Louise Wateridge, a representative from the main United Nations aid agency in Gaza, expressed deep concern over the humanitarian conditions, describing hospitals in the region as virtually non-functional due to lack of sanitation, medical equipment, and personnel. "Patients are dying needlessly," Wateridge lamented, highlighting the urgent need for both medical support and immediate humanitarian intervention in the beleaguered territories.
The conflict escalated following a major Israeli military response to the October 7 attack, which claimed the lives of 1,200 Israelis and resulted in significant hostage-taking by Hamas. Israel's military operations are focused on eliminating Hamas leaders and operatives, accusing them of endangering civilians and using them as shields amid the conflict.
Despite the international outcry over civilian casualties, Israeli officials maintain that their actions are directed at military targets associated with Hamas and Islamic Jihad. The UN cites the dreadful situation in Gaza as apocalyptic, urging for a reevaluation of military strategies to protect innocents caught in the crossfire.
