Injured Australian medical student seeks investigation into Israeli shooting in non-combat zone

ANKARA

An Australian medical student who was injured by Israeli soldiers during an attack in a non-combat zone in the occupied West Bank earlier this month has demanded an investigation into the shooting.

Ranem Abu Izneid, a third-year dental student at Al-Quds University, located in Abu Dis in the occupied West Bank, near Jerusalem – a non-combat zone – was injured when a bullet from Israeli forces entered her dormitory window and the shrapnel wounded her on November 15.

She suffered serious injuries to her face, neck, scalp, chest and her right eye, from which she can no longer see, local broadcaster SBS reported on Monday.

Abu Izneid was born in Jordan to a Palestinian family now living in Melbourne.

She arrived back in Melbourne on Sunday morning and is now being treated in hospital.

Speaking from her hospital bed, she told SBS News that she was “experiencing significant pain and emotional distress” and said her “future is uncertain”.

“The trauma of the event and the uncertainty about my recovery are overwhelming, as is the uncertainty about my future health and ability to continue my studies,” she said.

The Israeli Ministry of Defense and the Israeli government did not respond to the Australian broadcaster about the shooting.

Abu Izneid and her family demanded that the Australian government intervene, with an investigation into how the incident occurred in a non-combat zone.

“I demand a full and transparent investigation into the unjustified attack on me in my own home,” she said, adding that those behind the attack must be held accountable,” Abu Izneid added.

Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed in a statement on Sunday that it had provided consular assistance to an Australian in the West Bank.

“The Australian government is seeking further information regarding the circumstances surrounding the incident,” the statement said.

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