Attacks on Palestinian paramedics, patients, and ambulances by Israeli soldiers and settlers have been on the rise, not just in Gaza but also in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Paramedics face assault, shootings, and even death when trying to assist wounded Palestinians. The situation has escalated, with Israeli security forces targeting health facilities in both Gaza and the West Bank, rendering the health sector inoperable.
Since October, there have been numerous attacks on hospitals, medical staff, and ambulances, resulting in over 300 Palestinian medics killed in Gaza alone by early February. The violence is part of Israel’s Dahiya Doctrine, aimed at punishing enemy territories and pressuring combatants to surrender. Despite the ongoing carnage in Gaza, attacks in the West Bank have largely gone unnoticed.
Israeli soldiers and settlers have also killed paramedics in the West Bank, making it difficult for ambulances to reach injured Palestinians due to roadblocks. The situation has worsened, with hospitals being raided and patients forcibly removed. Despite these challenges, paramedics like Muhammad Jabareen and Ameen Tawil continue to fight for the lives of Palestinians in need.
Journalist Mel Frykberg, who has extensively reported on conflicts in various international regions, brings attention to the escalating violence in the Israeli-occupied territories.