In Jenin: A Red Light in a Dark Tunnel

What can be done for thousands of Palestinians besieged in the city of Jenin and its refugee camp under these difficult and extraordinary conditions. Neighborhoods have turned into military outposts for the Israeli occupation forces, and the streets and roads have been reduced to a medieval-like state as a result of the destruction caused by D9 bulldozers.

The question becomes even more difficult amid the Israeli occupation forces’ siege of hospitals in the city. At times, electricity is cut off, at other times, water is shut down. Ambulances are detained while transporting a patient and are also denied access to save the life of another.

It is a difficult question in a pitch-dark tunnel that is illuminated by the lights of the Palestine Red Crescent (PRCS) ambulances in the streets of Jenin and its refugee camp. Dozens of PRCS staff and volunteers work tirelessly to ease the wounds of the city and save the lives of those who are besieged and displaced from the camp.

The head of the PRCS Emergency Medical Services (EMS) center in Jenin, Mahmoud Al-Saadi, stated that due to the continuous incursions into Jenin and its refugee camp, the humanitarian needs of the citizens have grown significantly, both within the besieged area and in its surroundings. Among the most urgent needs are medicines, food, and essential health services such as emergency medical care.

He pointed out that they have received numerous humanitarian emergency calls, saying: “We are receiving many urgent humanitarian calls from residents in nearby areas, who are unable to evacuate due to the presence of Israeli snipers and the heavy deployment of occupation forces in these areas.

Al-Saadi confirmed that these calls have put significant pressure on the Emergency Medical Team (EMT) due to the dangers involved in reaching residents and the threats posed by the occupation forces. He clarified that despite coordination with the relevant authorities, the occupation forces continue to block the roads leading to those in need.

Destroying the Entrance of the PRCS

Al-Saadi also mentioned that at the beginning of the Israeli military operation, bulldozers destroyed the main entrance of the PRCS facility in the city of Jenin. He said: “At that time, we could not evacuate due to the blockade, as the bulldozers had destroyed the road leading to the EMS center.”

He added that although the road has been reopened, it has turned into a waterlogged area, where vehicles sink to their wheels. Additionally, walking along this street is extremely slow, but in some cases quicker pace is necessary to reach medical emergencies in time.

Beehive

Al-Saadi emphasized that the PRCS teams and staff operate as a unified body, ensuring seamless collaboration between EMTs and volunteers. He expressed his gratitude to the EMTs and volunteers who tirelessly dedicate themselves day and night to meet the needs of the people.

He highlighted that the EMTs and volunteers leave their families and children behind to rush to assist residents, fulfilling their humanitarian duty. They share both sorrow and moments of joy with their fellow residents in the city of Jenin and its refugee camp.