The Symbol of Medical Resistance in Gaza: Nurse Walid Tawfiq Shaqoura

This article was published on 02.07.25.

*Prof. Dr. Orhan ALİMOĞLU

No being, more luminous and mesmerizing than human, have ever been created on earth. Meanwhile, no being as cruel and evil as humans exists. This contradiction, the qualification of being a presence that potentially possesses the good and the evil in its nature, makes human a unique form of existence. The human is a kind that rather chooses to be good or bad, and pushes the boundaries of its being to do so. Almost all of the civilization is a masterpiece of humans consciously pushing the boundaries of its being. This happens both in goodness and evil. The nature of human act carrying value distinguishes both its goods and bads from other creatures’ acts in nature. Nearly all the wild animals hunts other little ones. The strong ones on top of the food chain savages the weak ones on the bottom, however this is neither good or bad. Only human act is filled with value. That’s why killing children and oppressing women is counted diabolical in every society.

The adventure of humans on earth is shaped by the struggle between this conscious and valuable acts. Almost all the advancement happening in the world —political, military or economic are essentially tied to this two codes good and bad. To see this ‘good’ and ‘bad’ in human act, there is no need for an extra information and special insight. In one of the verses in the Qur’an, Allah takes an oath by ‘the self-reproaching soul’. This ‘self- reproaching’ soul named as moral compass is an indicator for the activity, depth and authenticity of the ‘awareness’ of human. Yes, human —freely and consciously— ‘chooses’, does and makes. And that makes human ‘good’ or ‘bad’. Inside human, there continuously exists a voice of condemn. The one that directs him towards the good and protects him from the bad is no other than the ‘condemning’ conscious. Moral compass inside human is ‘the voice of the creator’.

The history of the world is filled with the ones who chase this voice, make life valuable and shine bright like stars in the sky of humanity. In the darkness created by oppressors who spill blood and kill children, the existence of these pure-hearted people who are a real piece of hope for the life and humanity reaches significance especially in the midst of this dark and countless cruelty. Take a look in Gaza, for example, where everyday tens of babies, children and women slaughtered. You will see the bright souls, dedications of these pure-hearted people honoring ‘the human’ and the broad hope that they created amongst these bloody child bodies.

Here is one of these shiny souls: Walid Shaqoura.

Walid Shaqoura is a Palestinian nurse and benevolent who dedicated his life to serve medical care for the people of Gaza under extreme conditions. His work made him famous not only in Palestine but also internationally. In one of the most effected territories of the world by conflict and in the midst of a severe genocide persisting for two years, he has been advocating for the access of health services and human rights. Nurse Walid Shaqoura

 grew up in Gaza surrounded by hardships originated from Israel-Palestine conflict that has been going on for tens of years. Be it his personal life or generally the oppression and cruelty that the people of Palestine have been facing strengthened his dedication to serve his people. As the child of a refugee family, Shaqoura decided from a young age that medicine was the best way to help people and chose to pursue it. He became a nurse by completing his education in a local university in Gaza.

Nurse Walid Shaqoura

Shaqoura served his people for years in Gaza hospitals. The hospitals in Gaza are the ones that need medical services the most because of often conflicts and the blockade for the territory. Whether due to the lack of personnel or inadequate medical infrastructure in these hospitals, the experience of Walid Shaqoura in trauma and emergency medicine has played a critical role especially during a time when tension was escalating. Working in such a conflict zone requires taking life threatening risks and making inhuman efforts and sacrifices almost all the time. One of the most striking aspects of Shaqoura’s career —rather than his expertise— is his unshakeable commitment to his patients even under life threatening conditions and perseverance to work indefinitely to treat them by risking his safety. His courage and compassion made him a symbol of resistance and hope for most of the Palestinians.

Nurse Shaqoura has come to the fore with his work concerning the infrastructure of Gaza’s healthcare system and healthcare workers as much as his work in medical care. He often contacted international institutions and organizations regarding the fight against difficulties created by the blockade and conflict. He showed extraordinary effort to provide international support for insufficient medical equipment, electricity, personnel training and many other similar matters. His effort was appreciated by various humanitarian charity groups and he was called to share his experiences in international conferences and lecture in universities.  Especially, the personnel training programs he organized with international institutions’ support, particularly in trauma and emergency medicine are vital and strategic.

Shaqoura, despite all the hardship, has remained deeply connected to the Gazan society. His dedication to his profession, modesty and perseverance has become an inspiration in Gaza, international health community and human rights actors. The story of nurse Shaqoura is a symbol of resistance for justice and dignity. Shaqoura’s work did not only saved lives but also created an awareness regarding the struggle of Palestinians in the international arena. He has been continuing to be the voice of the voiceless and advocate for peace, justice and healthcare services for everyone.

His leadership as hospital manager at Gaza St. John Eye Hospital Group (SJEHG) became effective on preventing common eye diseases. In cooperation with Gaza’s Ministry of Health, he played a crucial role in handling diabetic retinopathy which is one of the leading causes of preventable blindness. His devoted efforts ensured on-time treatment for patients and protection for their life qualities and their sights by providing basic ophthalmologic care.

Mr Shaqoura has been an activist who works for Gaza’s health needs alongside with his work in health and management. In 2020, he highlighted the situation of more than 350 patients who were waiting for corneal transplantation to the international community by drawing attention to the horrendous results of denied humanitarian aids into Gaza because of the Israeli blockade. He showcased the heavy effects of political practices on healthcare services. In the beginning of 2025, in an air-strike executed by the Israeli army, most of his family members including children and disabled people were murdered. Despite this deep sorrow, nurse Shaqoura has been carrying out his work with determination and devotion by keeping his unwavering commitment to his patients and society.

Walid Tawfiq Shaqoura describes himself and his mission as follows:

“I was born in 1961. I completed my formal education with a master’s degree in health management. Until 1994, I served as the Director of Nursing at the Rimal Clinic. Afterwards, I joined the International Cooperation Office of the Ministry of Health, where I held various positions and was appointed Director General of International Cooperation in 2008. In 2016, I took early retirement, after which I was elected General Director of the Saint John Eye Hospital  a position I continue to hold to this day. In the wartime, our hospital was damaged by the occupation forces. So, we couldn’t go into operation but in order to continue to serve our people we offered free examination services by opening up ophthalmology clinics in all areas of Gaza. We became the first ones doing it. Right now, we are planning on opening new ophthalmology clinics on the ground floor of the hospital while protecting the current state of policlinics there. The process is being carried out in collaboration with the United Nations agency, Kızılay, and the Patient Friends Solidarity Association. In addition, we signed a memorandum of understanding with Jerusalem Engineering, affiliated with the Kızılay, to provide free eye surgeries such as cataract and retinal operations.

Our prayer to God is for the war to end as soon as possible, so that we may continue serving

our people and ensure the safety of all our citizens.& quot; Amid all these hardships, Shaqoura chooses to be “good” — following the path of ‘self- reproaching soul’. By fully attuning himself to the creative voice within, he continues to be a source of inspiration not only for his colleagues and the people of Gaza, but for the human family at large. In the messages he frequently shares, he calls on relevant international institutions, human rights groups, and political actors to stand in solidarity with Gaza’s healthcare system and to recognize the critical importance of sustained support. His words echo with hope, inviting the global community to unite in solidarity with Gaza during these trying times.

Through his work, Nurse Walid Shaqoura exemplifies the profound impact of dedicated healthcare professionals in conflict zones. Thanks to his leadership, advocacy, and personal resilience, he not only delivers essential medical care to his patients, but also continues to be a beacon of hope in the face of adversity.

I would like to thank Intern Dr. Mohammed Ghayada, journalist-author Mustafa Ekici and Sudenaz Coskun for their contributions.