injured dying while waiting apermit to the hospital in north of Gaza

Gaza: Beit Hanoun Siege Diary

Dr. Mona Elfarra

Wednesday 1 November 1.30 am
Khalil Hamad died waiting for a permit to go to the hospital!!!

Israeli occupying forces launched a massive attack against northern
Gaza, focused on Beit Hanoun village. At the start of this assault, the
village
was placed under strict siege. Nobody was allowed in or out of Beit Hanoun.

At AlAwda hospital where 45 injured were admitted for treatment, and 3
dead bodies received, I was told by our Emergency Room staff that one of
these dead could have been saved easily.

While bleeding and suffering from multiple injuries Mr. Khalil Hamad had
to wait for special
arrangements and an army permit to transfer him via the Red Cross
from outside the village to the nearest hospital (AlAwda) 5 minutes away from
the scene. Mr. Hamad bled to death before he arrived at our hospital.

A few
minutes means a lot in the ER room in such cases, not to mention that he
was left to die on purpose.

Speaking of war crimes and Geneva conventions, human rights violations
etc. etc., this frank violation of human
rights is the normal attitude and practice of the Israeli army in
Palestine.


Thursday 2 November

The ambulances were not allowed to enter the village, but they managed to
evacuate a few casualities on the outskirts while
working under heavy fire. Some cases arrived at the hospital where they
were operated upon, others were referred to the Gaza Central Hospital
Ashifa.

I was told by the surgeons that the injuries were all serious – to the
neck, abdomen, head, and lower extremities – and were caused by large-sized
bullets.


Friday 3 November 10 am

Women demonstrating and determined to break the siege
ER at AlAwda hospital

The 14 beds in ER were not sufficient to receive the injured.
A protest demonstration by the village women determined to
break the siege and free their men who were confined by the army inside one
of the village mosques. The women protested and managed to give free
passage to the men inside the mosque. At least 15 injured women
were received in the AlAwda Hospital, but 2 were shot dead by the Israeli
army.

This morning I visited some of the women inside the hospital. They were
still in
a state of shock, and deserve love, respect and quality medical care.

This is the Palestinian woman. She has always been an active part of
resisting the
occupation, and will continue to pay the price of striving towards freedom.

Death toll 25
Injured 115, many are women and children under 16

The operation is continuing and may extend to different areas. The streets
of Gaza are full of demonstrators.

in solidarity

Mona Elfarra