ISRAEL/PALESTINE – Despite appeals from three media freedom organisations, the Israeli authorities have not allowed al-Wahidi and fellow Al Jazeera cameraman Ali al-Attar to leave Gaza for “lifesaving medical treatment”. Al Jazeera Arabic on Thursday reported that al-Wahidi’s condition had deteriorated since he was taken to hospital on October 9.

Doctors at the Public Aid Hospital in Gaza City said they were unable to treat him and prevent complete paralysis, adding that he suffers from damage to his arteries, veins and shattered bones. The hospital had repeatedly pleaded for al-Wahidi to be transferred abroad as resources on-site were insufficient to treat his injuries.

The attack on al-Wahidi came days after al-Attar was shot while covering the conditions of displaced Palestinians in Deir el-Balah in central Gaza. A scan showed shrapnel lodged in his skull and bleeding in the brain, but no treatment has been available in Gaza for this injury.

Israel has not responded to multiple requests by international organisations to evacuate journalists who were critically wounded by its forces. The United States-based Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), which promotes press freedom and defends the rights of journalists, has demanded that Israeli authorities ensure the safe transfer of al-Wahidi and al-Attar out of Gaza.

“Al Jazeera urgently calls on the international community to take immediate action to ensure the safety of journalists and civilians in Gaza, and hold the Israeli Occupation Forces accountable for their repeated crimes against journalists,” the statement added. (Aljazeera)

Photo: Al Jazeera cameraman Ali al-Attar. (Aljazeera)…[+]