MSF is devastated by the death of Abed El Hameed Qaradaya, our 15th colleague killed in Gaza

Despite the care provided by the medical teams, he succumbed to his critical shrapnel injuries on Sunday, October 5, following an attack on October 2 that also killed our colleague Omar Hayek and injured several others.

The attack, carried out by Israeli forces in Gaza, struck a street where our teams were waiting to take a bus to go to work at MSF field hospital in Deir al-Balah. All staff were wearing MSF vests, which clearly identified them as medical humanitarian workers.  

Abed was 43 years old and is the 15th MSF staff member killed in Gaza since October 7, 2023. He is our third colleague killed in less than 20 days.

Abed and Omar left Gaza City following evacuation orders and relentless attacks by Israeli forces, only to be killed by those same forces in what was described as a “safer 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 tragic impact on his loved ones, MSF, and the health system in Gaza.

For 18 years, Abed El Hameed was a cornerstone of MSF’s physiotherapy department in Gaza. He was a unique and invaluable specialist in both physiotherapy and occupational therapy. Abed was dedicated not only to his patients’ physical recovery but also to restoring their hope and sense of dignity.  

Abed continued working tirelessly in the face of immense challenges including shortage of supplies due to the Israeli blockade. In January, he shared how he was working with tailors and logisticians to create custom compression suits for burns patients and adapting walkers to fit specific needs of individual patients wounded and amputated during this genocide. He was the driving force behind opening up the 3D physiotherapy department, insisting on bringing in new technologies for patient care into 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 outraged by the loss of our colleagues—a stark reminder of the pattern of complete disregard for civilian lives and human dignity.