Over 145 journalists have lost their lives in Gaza since the onset of the conflict, according to Reporters Without Borders (RSF). Among them, 35 were actively engaged in their work at the time of their deaths. Fadi al-Wahidi, a journalist, became a part of this grim statistic when he was shot in the neck by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on October 9. The shooting left Wahidi with severe damage to his vertebrae and spinal cord, resulting in critical physical, neurological, and respiratory injuries. His condition is dire, and he remains confined to a hospital bed in Gaza, unable to move or receive the medication he desperately needs.
The hospital in Gaza has made repeated pleas for Wahidi to be allowed to leave and receive medical treatment abroad, but these requests have gone unanswered. Both the Israeli military body in Gaza, Cogat, and the IDF have not responded to requests for comment regarding Wahidi's situation. Dr. Mosab Nasser, chief executive of FAJR Scientific, a medical non-profit organization based in the United States, has been tirelessly working to secure Wahidi's evacuation. However, his efforts have been thwarted by unapproved requests and a lack of explanation.
“Despite these endeavours, the possibility of evacuating Fadi remains on hold due to a lack of Israeli authorisation for his safe passage,” – Dr Mosab Nasser
Wahidi has been confined to what he calls a "deathbed" for nearly three months. His condition has worsened over time, with new health issues emerging and his pain intensifying. Anas al-Shembari, a nurse attending to Wahidi, reported that his condition continues to deteriorate. The hospital lacks the necessary resources to treat his injuries adequately.
“It has been almost three months that I’ve been confined to this deathbed, unable to move or leave,” – Fadi al-Wahidi
“I just lie here all day staring up at the ceiling. How I wish I could see the sun or sky – even just for a brief moment. But I can’t even sit up or hold a phone when I want to look at something on it – the pain is too overwhelming.” – Fadi al-Wahidi
The United Nations human rights experts have also intervened, calling for Wahidi's urgent medical evacuation. They have noted that the denial of medical evacuation or delays in approving such requests appear to be part of a broader "pattern of persecution" by Israel against journalists in the occupied Palestinian territories. The lack of response from relevant authorities only heightens concerns about Wahidi's rapidly deteriorating condition.
“The life of this young journalist is at imminent risk and swift action is urgently needed to prevent further tragedy.” – Dr Mosab Nasser
Hiba al-Wahidi, Fadi's mother, shared her anguish over her son's plight. She described him as gentle and caring, always checking on his family even while reporting from a war zone. Now, she finds herself helpless as she watches her son's condition worsen with each passing day.
“Fadi is my first-born and the most gentle of all my children,” – Hiba al-Wahidi
“Even while reporting in a war zone, he was always checking in to see if we were OK. But now my poor boy is slowly dying and there is nothing we can do for him.” – Hiba al-Wahidi
On the day of the incident, Wahidi was unaware of the IDF's proximity. A drone attack caught him and his colleagues off guard while they were in the al-Saftawi area.
“At the time, none of us were aware that the IDF was close by,” – Fadi al-Wahidi
“We were in the al-Saftawi area when the drone began firing at us,” – Anas al-Sharif