Gaza, MSF: ‘One of our workers has died, the 15th since the start of the war’

Rome, 5 October (LaPresse) – ‘It is with deep sorrow and outrage that Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) confirms the death of Abed El Hameed Qaradaya, a physiotherapist with the organisation in the Gaza Strip.’ This was stated in a note from Médecins Sans Frontières. Despite efforts to keep him alive, Abed died on Sunday, 5 October, from serious injuries caused by shrapnel from the attack that had already killed Omar Hayek and injured many others on Thursday, 2 October. The attack, carried out by Israeli forces in Gaza, struck a road where MSF teams were waiting for a bus to take them to work at the organisation’s field hospital in Deir Al-Balah. All staff were wearing MSF vests that clearly identified them as medical-humanitarian workers. Abed was 43 years old and is the fifteenth MSF staff member killed in Gaza since 7 October 2023. He is our third colleague killed in less than 20 days. Abed and Omar had left Gaza City following evacuation orders and relentless attacks by Israeli forces, which ultimately killed them in what is described as a “safe zone”. There is no safe place in Gaza. Our thoughts are with Abed’s wife and two children. His loss is immense and has a devastating impact on his loved ones, MSF and the healthcare system in Gaza. For 18 years, Abed El Hameed was a pillar of MSF’s physiotherapy department in Gaza. He was a unique and valuable specialist in both physiotherapy and occupational therapy. Abed was dedicated not only to the physical recovery of his patients, but also to restoring their hope and sense of dignity. Abed continued to work tirelessly despite immense difficulties, including a shortage of supplies due to the Israeli blockade. He innovated and adapted equipment, collaborating with tailors and logisticians to create custom-made compression suits for burn patients and adapting walking frames to the specific needs of individual patients injured and amputated during this genocide. He was the driving force behind the opening of the 3D physiotherapy department, pushing for the introduction of new technologies for the care of patients in Gaza. Abed will be remembered by his colleagues as an ever-optimistic and deeply compassionate person, a true friend, always ready to support, encourage and inspire. MSF calls for an immediate ceasefire and an end to the bloodshed. We are deeply saddened and outraged by the loss of our colleagues, a stark reminder of the total disregard for civilian life and human dignity.