Gaza Volunteer Ambulance Driver Killed in Drone Strike Despite Ceasefire
Abed Elrahman Hamdouna, a dedicated volunteer ambulance driver in northern Gaza, has been killed in a reported drone strike west of Gaza City, casting a stark light on the persistent violence in the region. The 31-year-old father of two was on his way to a family Ramadan iftar when the strike occurred, just two weeks ago, shattering the fragile hope brought by a ceasefire announced in October 2025.
No Ceasefire in Reality
Hamdouna's father, Hosny Hamdouna, expressed profound grief and disillusionment, stating, "There's no ceasefire. It's all talk, for the media. In reality, there's no ceasefire." This sentiment echoes the grim statistics from Gaza's health ministry, which reports that since the ceasefire was declared on 10 October last year, Israeli forces have killed 677 Palestinians and injured a further 1,800. Strikes have averaged about 10 per day across the territory over the past five months.
Hamdouna's death adds to the toll of 1,700 healthcare workers killed during the war in Gaza, including four since the latest ceasefire. His family, who had not seen him in over two years due to travel restrictions, was preparing a traditional Palestinian meal when they received the devastating news. His brother, Mohammed, recounted the moment he learned of the tragedy, highlighting the personal anguish behind the numbers.
Targeted Destruction of Healthcare
International organisations have condemned the ongoing attacks on Gaza's healthcare infrastructure. UN experts have accused Israel of "deliberately attacking and starving healthcare workers, paramedics and hospitals to wipe out medical care in the besieged enclave," describing it as "medicide." Fares Afana, head of emergency services in northern Gaza, noted that nearly 80% of ambulances have been lost since the war began, severely hampering rescue efforts.
Amnesty International has further asserted that Israel's actions, which include mass civilian casualties and life-threatening conditions, are "consistent with the characteristics of genocide," with over 75,000 people killed since October 2023. Hamza Nabhan, a medical student who often accompanied Hamdouna on ambulance runs, praised him as a hero, saying, "The paramedics, the firefighters and the civil defence workers are the real heroes of this war."
Despair and Resilience in Gaza
The loss of Hamdouna has deepened the despair among Gaza's residents. Nabhan, who aspired to study medicine in Germany before the war, now lives moment by moment, focusing only on basic survival needs. He reflected, "I think about how to wake up, charge my phone, fill my water container. I don't think about tomorrow." Afana expressed disappointment that the ceasefire has not brought safety for healthcare workers, stating, "Unfortunately this did not happen ... it's still a war zone."
Hamdouna's story underscores the harsh reality for civilians in Gaza, where even those providing critical aid are not spared from violence. His funeral was led by ambulance staff and emergency workers, a poignant reminder of the risks they face daily. As the death toll continues to rise, his family and colleagues mourn a life dedicated to saving others, lost in a conflict that shows no signs of abating.
