GAZA CITY: Al Awda Hospital has reported the death of Dr. Saeed Joda, the only orthopedic specialist serving northern Gaza, after he was fatally shot by Israeli occupation forces. Dr. Joda was en route to the hospital to perform surgeries on the injured when he was targeted.

According to Qatar News Agency, the Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza confirmed that Dr. Joda was killed by occupation drones, marking a significant loss in the region’s medical community. His death brings the total number of healthcare sector casualties in Gaza, since the onset of aggression on October 7 of the previous year, to 1,057. Despite being injured two weeks prior, Dr. Joda continued to treat patients at Al Awda Hospital, underscoring his dedication to the profession.

Dr. Joda, in an earlier interview with Qatar News Agency, highlighted that 75 percent of injuries in Gaza necessitate orthopedic surgery. His death leaves northern Gaza, which has been under siege for 70 days, without an orthopedic surgeon. The situation is
further exacerbated by the arrest and killing of over 40 medical personnel by occupation forces, posing severe implications for patient care and the treatment of injuries in the region.