In brief
Dr. Sayeed Joudeh, believed to be the last orthopaedic surgeon in northern Gaza, was reportedly killed by Israeli tank fire while en route to work, exacerbating an already dire medical situation in the region amid ongoing hostilities.
Dr. Sayeed Joudeh, considered the final orthopaedic surgeon in northern Gaza, was killed on Thursday reportedly by Israeli tank fire as he traveled to his workplace at al-Awda Hospital. According to Palestinian officials, Dr. Joudeh had previously retired but re-entered the medical field to provide assistance during the ongoing conflict. He had recently been vocal about the desperate conditions in Gaza, famously holding up a sign stating "Save US" during a press conference at Kamal Adwan Hospital.Eyewitness accounts of the incident diverge, with some suggesting he was struck by a drone instead of tank fire. The Israeli military stated it was unaware of the situation but has initiated an investigation into the matter. Speaking from Jerusalem, Louise Wateridge of the United Nations aid agency expressed grief over Dr. Joudeh's death, emphasizing the critical state of medical facilities in Gaza, which are reported to lack sanitation, medical supplies, and personnel. The humanitarian landscape continues to deteriorate, with Ms. Wateridge characterizing the situation in Gaza as "apocalyptic." The ongoing Israeli siege and bombardment have intensified since the onset of hostilities in October 2022, leading to a staggering death toll, with reports indicating that over 44,875 residents have been killed, mostly civilians. This includes numerous casualties from a recent Israeli attack meant to target a senior figure in the Islamic Jihad group, which has been accused of weaponizing civilian spaces amidst the conflict.With the violence showing no sign of abating, the loss of such a pivotal healthcare figure as Dr. Joudeh raises critical concerns about medical care availability for the hundreds of thousands of individuals affected by the conflict.
