In war zones, much of the attention falls on soldiers, bombs, and political agendas. Often overlooked are the paramedics, who are referred to as the “silent heroes” who dedicate their lives to saving others. For over 24 years, I have served as a medic with the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) in the West Bank. My story, however, is not unique. It mirrors the experiences of countless medical personnel who risk their lives daily to protect the most vulnerable.
I chose to become a healthcare worker to save lives. But being a medic goes beyond care. Through the years, I have witnessed unimaginable atrocities committed by Israeli forces, but the war on Gaza changed the way we operate and added layers of danger to an already perilous job. Certainly, in the early days of my career, we faced challenges, but now Israeli forces have escalated their violations to terrifying levels.
We no longer feel like healthcare providers performing a life-saving role; we feel like targets. ….more
