Jerusalem, Jul 9 (AP) The recent killing of Dr. Marwan al-Sultan, the former head of a hospital in the Gaza Strip, by an Israeli airstrike has added to the long list of distinguished Palestinian doctors who have perished during 21 months of conflict that has severely impaired the region's healthcare system.
Colleagues described the death of Dr. Marwan al-Sultan, a 49-year-old cardiologist, as a significant personal and professional loss, creating an irreplaceable void in Gaza's medical community. “He was one of two cardiologists, so by losing Dr. Marwan, thousands of people will lose and suffer,” remarked Mohammed Abu Selmia, a close friend for 15 years and the director of Shifa Hospital, Gaza's largest healthcare institution.
In a 2022 photograph with Abu Selmia, al-Sultan, and 30 other prominent doctors and experts in Gaza were seen celebrating the graduation of medical students from the Islamic University in Gaza City. Tragically, at least five of these esteemed mentors have since been killed – all in Israeli airstrikes, except one who died in Israeli captivity.
Al-Sultan and three other specialists captured in the 2022 photo were killed while off-duty, though the nature of these attacks remains unclear regarding whether they were specifically targeted. The Israeli military cited a “key terrorist” from Hamas being struck when questioned about the attack on al-Sultan's building, adding that they “regret any harm to uninvolved individuals” and that the “incident is under review.”
Abu Selmia emphasized that it will take years to train a new generation of specialists to replace the ones lost in the conflict between Hamas and Israel. Meanwhile, hospitals are struggling to provide urgent care due to a shortage of specialists amid mounting demand.
In the midst of continuous Israeli bombing, hospitals across Gaza face critical supply shortages as they endeavor to treat the numerous wounded individuals seeking help daily.
A Health System in Crisis The United Nations reports that over 1,400 Palestinian health workers have been killed in Gaza since the conflict erupted in October 2023.
The Israeli military has conducted raids and sieges on hospitals throughout the conflict, alleging that Hamas uses these facilities for command activities and sheltering fighters, although only some claims have been substantiated with evidence. The World Health Organization has recorded nearly 700 attacks on healthcare facilities during the war.
Al-Sultan was renowned in Gaza's medical community for his resolve to remain at his hospital in Beit Lahiya despite its coming under attack. He publicly voiced the peril faced by healthcare workers amidst Israeli bombardments and sieges.
Before its closure by the Israeli military in June, al-Sultan served as the last director of the Indonesian Hospital, the largest in northern Gaza.
In May, al-Sultan highlighted the challenges faced by healthcare workers. “We will keep holding on for our patients, for our jobs and our people,” he declared in a video shared by his hospital's supporters.
Despite opportunities abroad, al-Sultan chose to return to Gaza in 2019, motivated by the desire to serve his community, a decision that inspired others such as Dr. Mohammed al-Assi to follow suit.
News of al-Sultan's death profoundly impacted his peers. “I'm wondering as any doctor would, was it his fault that he was helping people?” expressed al-Assi.
Former colleagues were overwhelmed by the news. “A wave of emotion hit me as I suddenly remembered our last video call — how he kept asking me about my family,” reminisced Dr. Emad Shaqoura, now in the UK.
An Israeli missile struck the third-floor apartment in Tal al-Hawa, Gaza City, where al-Sultan resided with his family, claiming the lives of his wife, daughter, and son-in-law. His daughter Lubna recounted how the missile specifically targeted his room while sparing other units.
Dr. Hadiki Habib, from the Indonesian organization responsible for al-Sultan's hospital, stated, “It was not collateral damage.”
The day before his death, al-Sultan and Abu Selmia discussed scheduling treatments, highlighting the void left by losing one of only two doctors capable of handling complex cardiac procedures in the area.
“Dr. Marwan was the trainer and mentor for all those students in Shifa Hospital and the entirety of Gaza City,” Abu Selmia stated.
Other Prominent Doctors in Gaza Have Also Been Killed The 2022 Islamic University faculty photo includes other members who have since perished:
— Dr. Adnan al-Bursh, formerly Shifa Hospital's orthopedics head, allegedly died in Israeli detention due to ill-treatment, according to Palestinian authorities and advocacy groups.
— Dr. Hammam Alloh, a nephrologist, was killed along with his family in a November 2023 airstrike.
— Dr. Mohammed Dabbour, Gaza's first cancer pathologist, was killed in an October 2023 airstrike with his father and son.
— Dr. Rafat Lubbad, head of internal medicine at Shifa Hospital, died in November 2023 with seven family members in Gaza City.
Hospitals Overwhelmed with Casualties The WHO reports that only 17 of Gaza's 36 hospitals are operational, all grappling with severe resource shortages. From these, just 12 provide more than basic emergency care.
Northern Gaza, where al-Sultan was based, has been an intense conflict zone, with many residents staying despite evacuation orders.
Abu Selmia reflects on the future of Gaza's dwindling medical community captured in the 2022 graduation photo, but maintains cautious hope.
Al-Sultan's son, Ahmed, is pursuing medical studies. “God willing, he will follow his father's footsteps,” Abu Selmia said. (AP) GRS GRS
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