A devastating Israeli strike on Khan Younis has claimed the life of Ahmed Faisal Isleem Al-Qadi, a 39-year-old aid worker with Save the Children. Al-Qadi’s death marks the second loss of a staff member from the humanitarian organization in Gaza amidst escalating violence.
According to Save the Children, Al-Qadi was returning home to his wife and three-year-old daughter from the mosque when the attack occurred. In a statement, the organization condemned the killing and called for an independent investigation to hold those responsible accountable.
“This tragic loss underscores the harsh reality that there is no safe haven for civilians in Gaza, not even for humanitarian aid workers,” said Alexandra Saieh, the head of humanitarian policy and advocacy at Save the Children.
Saieh emphasized the growing toll on innocent lives in Gaza, stating: “Every day, we witness the killing of civilians in what seems to be an unending cycle of violence. The lack of accountability for these actions is alarming and unacceptable.”
Remembering Al-Qadi
Al-Qadi joined Save the Children in May and quickly became a beloved figure among his colleagues, known for his unwavering optimism and dedication to helping others.
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“He was always smiling and brought light to even the darkest days in Gaza,” Saieh shared. “Ahmed was deeply proud of his young daughter and had dreams of rebuilding his home, which was destroyed in an earlier airstrike.”
A Grim Pattern
Ahmed’s death follows the tragic killing of another Save the Children worker, Sameh Ewaida, in December 2023. Ewaida, along with his immediate and extended family, lost his life in an Israeli airstrike on a residential building.
“This is part of a horrific trend of civilian casualties in Gaza,” Saieh said, highlighting the lack of accountability for what she described as violations of international humanitarian law.
Since the recent escalation began, at least 17 aid workers have been killed in Gaza, including Palestinian chef Mahmoud Almadhoun, co-founder of the Gaza Soup Kitchen. Almadhoun died in a drone strike during a visit to Kamal Adwan Hospital.
Additionally, the US-based World Central Kitchen has halted its operations in Gaza following an Israeli airstrike on one of its vehicles in Khan Younis. The attack claimed the lives of three aid workers and two other individuals.
A Plea for Justice
Saieh concluded with a plea for accountability and justice: “We must ensure that those responsible for these grave violations against civilians and humanitarian workers are held to account. The violence must stop.”
As the humanitarian crisis in Gaza deepens, organizations like Save the Children continue to advocate for the protection of aid workers and civilians, urging international actors to intervene and uphold the principles of humanitarian law.
