In a heartbreaking development, the World Health Organization (WHO) confirms the death of one of its dedicated employees, Dima Alhaj, 29, along with her husband, six-month-old baby, and two brothers in the midst of the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza.
Dima Alhaj, a patient administrator at the Limb Reconstruction Centre, was tragically killed when her parents’ house in southern Gaza, where she had sought refuge from Gaza City, was bombed. The incident resulted in the loss of over 50 family and community members who were sheltering in the same location.
According to Dr. Rik Peeperkorn, the WHO representative in the occupied Palestinian territory, Dima was a valued team member with a radiant smile, positive attitude, and crucial contributions to the Trauma and Emergency Team. He expressed the organization’s deep condolences, saying, “This is such a painful loss for all of us. The death of Dima and her family is another example of the senseless loss in this conflict.”
Dima Alhaj, who held a bachelor’s degree in Environmental and Earth Sciences from the Islamic University of Gaza, was pursuing a master’s degree at Glasgow University, Scotland, UK, through the Erasmus exchange program. Her work focused on environmental issues and health.
The WHO emphasizes the indiscriminate nature of the conflict, stating, “Civilians have died in their homes, at their workplaces, while evacuating, while sheltering in schools, while being cared for in hospitals.” Dr. Peeperkorn pleads with those in power to bring an end to the conflict, underscoring the urgency to prevent further civilian casualties.
The organization mourns alongside Dima’s family, colleagues in the occupied Palestinian territory, and the global WHO community. As the conflict continues, the international community is reminded of the human toll, urging a swift resolution to prevent further senseless loss of life.
