On Thursday, the Israeli army took yet another callous step in its unrelenting campaign against Gaza, executing an airstrike that killed Dr. Saeed Joda, a prominent Palestinian orthopedic surgeon. Dr. Joda was on his way to Al-Awda Hospital in northern Gaza, one of the few remaining hospitals still functional despite the ongoing siege and airstrikes, when an Israeli quadcopter struck, instantly taking his life.
Joda’s death underscores the increasingly dangerous and targeted nature of Israel’s military operations in Gaza, which have consistently aimed at eliminating not only militants but also innocent civilians, including medical professionals who are critical in the context of an ongoing humanitarian crisis. The Palestinian Ministry of Health confirmed the targeted killing, marking the latest in a string of attacks on health workers.
Dr. Joda, the only orthopedic surgeon in northern Gaza, had been serving in one of the most perilous areas in the world, constantly on call to treat the wounded amidst near-constant bombardment. The Israeli military’s focus on such individuals is not accidental—Joda was essential for the survival of thousands of Palestinians, as northern Gaza has been under siege for over two months, with Israel preventing any aid or medical evacuations from reaching the population. This has left hospitals overwhelmed, often operating with minimal supplies and staff.
Gaza’s Health Crisis Deepens with the Loss of Dr. Saeed Joda
Dr. Joda’s assassination represents a major blow to Gaza’s already overwhelmed health system. Northern Gaza has been under siege for over 70 days, with Israel blocking all access to emergency aid and preventing the functioning of ambulances. Hospitals like Al-Awda, where Dr. Joda was heading at the time of his death, have been operating under extreme duress, with most staff members risking their lives to treat patients despite the dangers.
The health sector has been devastated by Israel’s military campaign, and the number of medical professionals killed since the start of the war has now surpassed 1,000. Dr. Joda’s assassination brings the tragic tally of health sector workers who have fallen victim to Israel’s aggression to 1,057, a sobering reminder of the systematic and deliberate targeting of essential medical personnel by Israeli forces.
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Dr. Joda had survived previous attacks, including an injury two weeks ago during an earlier Israeli strike. Despite his personal losses—having lost his home, nephew, and son to Israeli bombings—he chose to stay and continue treating the victims of Israel’s brutality. His courage and dedication in the face of overwhelming adversity made him a symbol of defiance against the occupier’s onslaught, but his martyrdom is a testament to the ruthless violence perpetuated against those trying to provide care under impossible conditions.
International Outcry and Calls for Accountability
The murder of Dr. Joda has sparked outrage across the globe. Human rights organizations, including Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor, have called for Israel to be held accountable for its blatant targeting of medical workers, a violation of international law and the Geneva Conventions. Ramy Abdu, the chairman of Euro-Med, posted on X, stating that Dr. Joda’s death was a cold-blooded assassination. “A few days ago, he held a sign pleading with the world to save them from the Israeli army. Today, the Israeli army shot him in the head, assassinating him,” Abdu lamented.
Others have also shared their grief, mourning the loss of a man who had become a symbol of humanity amid an unrelenting war machine. “Dr. Joda was an example of humanity and dedication,” one user wrote, emphasizing that despite the profound personal losses he had suffered, Joda remained steadfast in his mission to serve the people of Gaza, regardless of the dangers he faced daily.
This outcry is a reflection of a growing international movement to demand accountability for Israel’s military actions, which increasingly seem to ignore international law. The targeted killing of a civilian healthcare worker in the midst of an ongoing humanitarian crisis is a breach of basic human rights and a grave violation of medical neutrality. Yet, despite widespread condemnation, Israel remains unrepentant, continuing its campaign without regard for the mounting civilian toll.
Northern Gaza Faces Devastating Impact of Siege and Bombardment
With Dr. Joda’s death, northern Gaza now faces a dire shortage of medical professionals capable of performing orthopedic surgeries, a critical need in an area where more than 75 percent of the injuries sustained during airstrikes require such expertise. The loss of Dr. Joda leaves a gaping hole in the already devastated medical infrastructure of Gaza, compounding the suffering of the injured and leaving many without the treatment they desperately need.
The siege imposed by Israel has effectively rendered northern Gaza a death trap, with little to no access to medical supplies, functioning ambulances, or safe passage for those needing treatment. The situation is worsening with every passing day, and without the ability to evacuate or receive medical aid, more lives will be lost, particularly among the most vulnerable: the sick, the injured, and the children.
Dr. Joda’s tragic death symbolizes the deliberate erasure of Palestinian humanity under Israeli bombardment—a crime that continues unchecked despite international condemnation. With every life lost, the world must confront the reality of Israel’s violent occupation and its inhuman treatment of Palestinians, who face an ongoing battle for survival in the face of relentless brutality.