In the midst of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Gaza, the brave paramedics in the West Bank are facing tremendous threats and challenges. Jawdat al-Muhtaseb, a paramedic with the Palestinian Red Crescent Society (PRCS), has been working in this field for 25 years and has witnessed the turmoil and violence that plagues the region. However, it is the images of devastation in Gaza that weigh heavy on his mind.
The tension in the West Bank has been escalating, with a significant number of Palestinian lives lost since the start of the war on Gaza. Al-Muhtaseb fears that the destruction he sees in Gaza will soon become a reality in his own community. His family shares his concerns, with his children asking poignant questions about their own safety and the possibility of being rescued from a bombed-out home.
Despite the emotional toll and the difficult psychological conditions, al-Muhtaseb remains committed to his humanitarian mission. The PRCS paramedics work tirelessly, providing vital services to Palestinians in need. Their work ranges from responding to traffic accidents to dealing with attacks from the Israeli army and settlers.
Unfortunately, the Israeli military’s increased road closures in the West Bank have made their job even more challenging. Waiting times have significantly increased, and sometimes paramedics are unable to reach casualties in time to save their lives. The paramedics have had to find alternative routes, such as using a handover method at checkpoints, which is risky and time-consuming.
The dangers faced by paramedics have only intensified, especially in light of the killings of more than 350 medical workers in Gaza. The Israeli army’s repeated attacks on hospitals and medical personnel are alarming and unconscionable. Despite being protected by international humanitarian law, Palestinian paramedics are not spared from Israeli aggression.
One tragic incident that highlights the dangers faced by paramedics is the attempted rescue of six-year-old Hind Rajab. After the Israeli army killed her entire family in a car, Hind called for help, and PRCS paramedics were dispatched to rescue her. However, they were prevented from reaching her location for 12 days, and when they finally did, they found only “a melted vehicle” and “decomposed bodies.” The paramedics were left devastated and helpless.
Israel claims that its targets are Hamas fighters and infrastructure, denying any deliberate targeting of civilians. However, the reality on the ground tells a different story. Palestinian paramedics, with their medical uniforms, are vulnerable and often find themselves in harm’s way.
For al-Muhtaseb and his colleague Lina Amro, who has been working for the PRCS for 15 years, every day brings new risks and uncertainties. They pray for their safety before leaving in their ambulance, knowing that their lives are constantly in danger, especially in Hebron, where Palestinians and settlers coexist.
The plight of these paramedics serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing violence and injustice faced by Palestinians in the West Bank. Their dedication to saving lives amid such challenging circumstances is commendable. It is crucial for the international community to recognize and condemn the targeting of medical workers and ensure the protection of humanitarian workers in conflict zones.
As the conflict continues, it is essential to remember the human cost and strive for a peaceful resolution that respects the rights and lives of all those involved. The sacrifices made by paramedics like al-Muhtaseb and Amro should not go unnoticed, and their stories should serve as a call to action for justice and accountability.
