Paramedic’s Ordeal in Conflict Zones
A Frightening Encounter
In a tense situation during recent military actions, Mr. Abed experienced a mix of hope and despair when another Red Crescent paramedic, Asaad al-Nasasra, was brought to his group of detainees by Israeli soldiers. Despite being handcuffed and blindfolded, Mr. al-Nasasra managed to communicate critical information regarding their colleagues.
Desperate Updates on Colleagues
According to Mr. Abed, al-Nasasra informed him that two of their fellow paramedics were wounded, one significantly. The last he had seen of the others was even more distressing, as they were reciting the Shahada, an Islamic declaration of faith, likely anticipating grave circumstances.
Interactions with Military Personnel
Mr. Abed recounted a particularly chilling exchange with an Israeli soldier who informed him in broken Arabic, “Your colleagues — all of them are gone!” This notification was delivered with a sense of triumph that heightened the tension of the moment. In response, Mr. Abed could only invoke a somber prayer: “May God have mercy on their souls.” Another soldier characterized the paramedics derogatorily as “those terrorists” and declared that they had been taken to hell.
Uncertain Fates
Eventually, Mr. al-Nasasra was taken away by the soldiers, and he remains unaccounted for, according to reports from the Red Crescent. This uncertainty surrounding the fate of the paramedics added to the anxiety experienced by their families and colleagues.
A Brief Respite
Later that same day, Dr. al-Bardawil and Mr. Abed were asked by the soldiers to assist in evacuating a gathering of civilians from the area. After fulfilling this request, they were released around 4 p.m., though the experience left Mr. Abed physically compromised. A Red Crescent vehicle was required to transport him home due to his injuries, including visible signs of having been beaten.
Family Concerns
Throughout the ordeal, Mr. Abed’s parents were in distress, having received alarming updates about the ongoing attacks. His mother, Somaya Abed, reached out in fear, urging him to reassure her of his safety. “Reassure me you’re OK, dear son,” she texted him earlier that day. It wasn’t until hours later that he was able to respond, confirming his safety but revealing the physical toll the situation had taken on him.
Aftermath
Upon finally reaching safety, Mr. Abed expressed relief but also great pain. Though thankful to be out of immediate danger, the physical and emotional scars of the day’s events were deep, demonstrating the harrowing realities faced by those in conflict zones.
