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An Israeli quadcopter killed Palestinian orthopaedic surgeon Saeed Joda on Thursday, while he was on his way to Al-Awda Hospital in northern Gaza from the frequently bombed Kamal Adwan Hospital in order to treat patients.

The Palestinian ministry of health confirmed that the quadcopter targeted Joda, instantly killing him.

Joda is believed to have been the only orthopaedic surgeon in north Gaza, which has been under siege for over two months.

The Israeli army has forbidden anyone from entering or exiting northern Gaza and imposed a siege on the area accompanied by airstrikes which kill dozens of people every day. It is believed to be implementing a "General's Plan" designed to kill, starve, or expel the remaining inhabitants there.

Israel has also prevented emergency aid from entering the area, and currently there are no functioning ambulances left. Ìý

According to local reports, Joda would regularly follow up on patients’ cases amid ongoing Israeli bombardment.

With Joda’s killing, the number of medical sector staff killed by Israel has reached 1,057 since the start of the Gaza war, the ministry of health noted.Ìý

The ministry called on all international and human rights organisations to protect hospitals and health personnel in light of the ongoing war on the Gaza Strip.

It also called on health workers around the world to "show solidarity with the health workers" in the Gaza Strip, which has been pounded by Israel for over 14 months.Ìý

Online, many have called for Israel to be held accountable for the surgeon's killing, while others have mourned his death and urged for the international community to take action over the number of health workers killed.Ìý

"A few days ago, he held a sign pleading with the world to save them from the Israeli army. Today, the Israeli army shot hm in the head, assassinating him," Ramy Abdu, the chairman of

"Dr Joudeh lost his home, nephew and recently his son in Israeli bombings and was himself injured in a drone attack. Yet he chose to remain in the besieged north helping the victims of Israel’s brutal onslaught. An example of humanity and dedication in the face of a morally depraved, inhumane adversary"

As a result of the Israeli military campaign, hospitals, the health system and civil defence have been put out of service in northern Gaza.