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'''Razan Ashraf Abdul Qadir al-Najjar''' (11 September 1996 – 1 June 2018), the eldest of six children born to Ashraf al-Najjar (b. 1974), was a [[Palestinian territories|Palestinian]] nurse volunteering in the [[Gaza Strip|Gaza]] health ministry. She was a resident of [[Khuza'a, Khan Yunis|Khuzaa]], a village near the border with Israel.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://electronicintifada.net/blogs/ali-abunimah/gaza-medic-killed-israel-she-rescued-injured|title=Gaza medic killed by Israel as she rescued injured|last=Abunimah|first=Ali|date=2018-06-02|work=The Electronic Intifada|access-date=2018-06-04|language=en}}
'''Razan Ashraf Abdul Qadir al-Najjar''' (11 September 1996 – 1 June 2018), the eldest of six children born to Ashraf al-Najjar (b. 1974), was a [[Palestinian territories|Palestinian]] nurse volunteering in the [[Gaza Strip|Gaza]] health ministry. She was a resident of [[Khuza'a, Khan Yunis|Khuzaa]], a village near the border with Israel.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news|url=https://electronicintifada.net/blogs/ali-abunimah/gaza-medic-killed-israel-she-rescued-injured|title=Gaza medic killed by Israel as she rescued injured|last=Abunimah|first=Ali|date=2018-06-02|work=The Electronic Intifada|access-date=2018-06-04|language=en}}
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She was fatally shot in the chest, by an Israeli soldier, as she, with her arms raised to show she was unarmed, tried to help evacuate the wounded near Israel's border fence with Gaza.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/protests-resume-after-palestinian-paramedic-s-gaza-funeral-n879621|title=Protests resume after Palestinian paramedic's Gaza funeral|work=NBC News|access-date=2018-06-05|language=en-US}}</ref> Israel denies any fire was directed at the nurse, however has not yet ruled out being hit by indirect fire.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/IDF-says-no-direct-fire-was-aimed-at-Gazan-nurse-killed-Friday-559222|title=IDF says no direct fire was aimed at Gazan nurse killed Friday|work=The Jerusalem Post {{!}} JPost.com|access-date=2018-06-08}}</ref>
She was fatally shot in the chest, by an Israeli soldier, as she, with her arms raised to show she was unarmed, tried to help evacuate the wounded near Israel's border fence with Gaza.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/protests-resume-after-palestinian-paramedic-s-gaza-funeral-n879621|title=Protests resume after Palestinian paramedic's Gaza funeral|work=NBC News|access-date=2018-06-05|language=en-US}}</ref> Israel denies any fire was directed at the nurse, however has not yet ruled out being hit by indirect fire.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/IDF-says-no-direct-fire-was-aimed-at-Gazan-nurse-killed-Friday-559222|title=IDF says no direct fire was aimed at Gazan nurse killed Friday|last=Ahronheim|first=Anna|date=5 June 2018|work=The Jerusalem Post {{!}} JPost.com|access-date=8 June 2018}}</ref>


The [[Israel Defense Forces]] (IDF) has released a footage of an interview of al-Najar with Lebanese media which was misleadingly<ref name=indy /><ref name=cept>{{cite website|url=https://theintercept.com/2018/06/08/israel-attempts-smear-razan-al-najjar-palestinian-medic-killed-calling-no-angel/|title=Israel Attempts to Smear Razan al-Najjar, Palestinian Medic It Killed, Calling Her “No Angel”
The [[Israel Defense Forces]] (IDF) has released a footage of an interview of al-Najar with Lebanese media which was misleadingly<ref name=indy /><ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url=https://theintercept.com/2018/06/08/israel-attempts-smear-razan-al-najjar-palestinian-medic-killed-calling-no-angel/|title=Israel Attempts to Smear Razan al-Najjar, Palestinian Medic It Killed, Calling Her “No Angel”|last=Mackey|first=Robert|date=8 June 2018|website=[[The Intercept]]|language=en-US|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|access-date=9 June 2018}}</ref> edited to show Al-Najar "admitting" she had come to the protest to act as [[human shield]] against the Israeli soldiers, supposedly at [[Hamas]]' request. Several media outlets have accused the IDF of selectively editing the video to chip away at her image, as in unedited version of the video, she makes no mention whatsoever of Hamas and describes herself as a "rescuing human shield to protect and save the wounded at the front lines" (with the entire quote, except for "human shield", removed from the IDF's release).<ref name="indy">{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/gaza-protests-latest-idf-condemned-edited-video-angel-of-mercy-medic-razan-al-najjar-a8389611.html|title=Israeli army edits video of Palestinian medic its troops shot dead to misleadingly show she was 'human shield for Hamas'|last=McKernan|first=Bethan|date=8 June 2018|website=[[The Independent]]|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|access-date=}}</ref><ref name=":1" /><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.buzzfeed.com/rosebuchanan/the-israeli-army-edited-this-clip-of-a-medic-they-killed-to|title=The Israeli Army Edited This Clip Of A Medic They Killed To Make Her Look Like She Was Acting As A Human Shield|last=Buchanan|first=Rose|date=8 June 2018|work=|access-date=|website=[[Buzzfeed]]}}</ref>
|date=8 June 2018|website=[[The Intercept]]}}</ref> edited to show Al-Najar "admitting" she had come to the protest to act as [[human shield]] against the Israeli soldiers, supposedly at [[Hamas]]' request. Several media outlets have accused the IDF of selectively editing the video to chip away at her image, as in unedited version of the video, she makes no mention whatsoever of Hamas and describes herself as a "rescuing human shield to protect and save the wounded at the front lines" (with the entire quote, except for "human shield", removed from the IDF's release).<ref name=cept/><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.buzzfeed.com/rosebuchanan/the-israeli-army-edited-this-clip-of-a-medic-they-killed-to|title=The Israeli Army Edited This Clip Of A Medic They Killed To Make Her Look Like She Was Acting As A Human Shield|date=8 June 2018|website=[[Buzzfeed]]}}</ref><ref name=indy>{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/gaza-protests-latest-idf-condemned-edited-video-angel-of-mercy-medic-razan-al-najjar-a8389611.html|title=Israeli army edits video of Palestinian medic its troops shot dead to misleadingly show she was 'human shield for Hamas'|website=[[The Independent]]|date=8 June 2018}}</ref>


Further footage showing her throwing a supposed tear-gas canister at a distance of some 100 metres from the border, was released by the Israeli army.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/idf-spokesperson-slain-gaza-medic-no-angel-of-mercy|title=After saying it shot medic by accident, IDF claims she was ‘no angel’|access-date=2018-06-08|language=en-US}}</ref> Calling the video "tightly edited", the New York Times estimated that the footage was not taken on the day she was shot dead, and "the canister does not appear to be aimed at anyone."<ref name=tight>{{cite website|title=Israeli Video Portrays Medic Killed in Gaza as Tool of Hamas|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/06/07/world/middleeast/gaza-israel-medic-rouzan-al-najjar.html|date=8 June 2018|website=New York Times}}</ref>
Further footage showing her throwing a supposed tear-gas canister at a distance of some 100 metres from the border, was released by the Israeli army.<ref name=":2">{{Cite news|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/idf-spokesperson-slain-gaza-medic-no-angel-of-mercy|title=After saying it shot medic by accident, IDF claims she was ‘no angel’|last=Pileggi|first=Tamar|date=|work=The Times of Israel|access-date=2018-06-08|language=en-US}}</ref> Calling the video "tightly edited", the New York Times estimated that the footage was not taken on the day she was killed and stated "the canister does not appear to be aimed at anyone."<ref name=":3">{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/06/07/world/middleeast/gaza-israel-medic-rouzan-al-najjar.html|title=Israeli Video Portrays Medic Killed in Gaza as Tool of Hamas|last=Buchsbaum|first=Herbet|date=7 June 2018|work=The New York Times|access-date=9 June 2018|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}}</ref>


==Volunteer==
==Volunteer==
Her formal training after volunteering was as a paramedic in Khan Younis at Nasser hospital and she became an active member of the [[PMRS|Palestinian Medical Relief Society]], a [[NGO|non-governmental health organization]]. She wore the white coat of the medics and a medics vest with bandages, and was attending those wounded during protests at the border fence between [[Gaza Strip|Gaza]] and [[Israel]] during Ramadan.<ref name="nytimes.com">{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/06/02/world/middleeast/gaza-paramedic-killed.html|title=A Woman Dedicated to Saving Lives Loses Hers in Gaza Violence|date=1 June 2018|publisher=|accessdate=4 June 2018|via=NYTimes.com}}</ref>
Her formal training after volunteering was as a paramedic in Khan Younis at Nasser hospital and she became an active member of the [[PMRS|Palestinian Medical Relief Society]], a [[NGO|non-governmental health organization]]. She wore the white coat of the medics and a medics vest with bandages, and was attending those wounded during protests at the border fence between [[Gaza Strip|Gaza]] and [[Israel]] during Ramadan.<ref name="nytimes.com">{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/06/02/world/middleeast/gaza-paramedic-killed.html|title=A Woman Dedicated to Saving Lives Loses Hers in Gaza Violence|last=Abuheweila|first=Iyad|last2=Kershner|first2=Isabel|date=1 June 2018|website=The New York Times|publisher=|via=NYTimes.com|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|accessdate=4 June 2018}}</ref>


In video footage released by the Israeli army on the 7 June 2018, Najar is seen saying "I’m here on the line being a protective human shield saving the injured", and throwing a smoke grenade towards Israeli forces.<ref name=":0">[https://www.timesofisrael.com/idf-spokesperson-slain-gaza-medic-no-angel-of-mercy/ IDF spokesperson: Slain Gaza medic ‘no angel of mercy’], Times of Israel, 7 June 2018</ref><ref>[https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/israeli-army-video-shows-killed-gaza-medic-throwing-gas-canister-1.6156535 Israeli Army: Video Shows Killed Gaza Medic Throwing Gas Canister], Haaretz, 7 June 2018</ref> But [[Israel Defense Forces]] clip cut her statement after she said: “human shield.”<ref name=":0" /> The IDF's release of selectively edited videos against Al-Najar was called by media commentators "a coordinated smear campaign"<ref name=cept/> and part of a "narrative battle".<ref name=tight />
In video footage released by the Israeli army on the 7 June 2018, Najar is seen saying "I’m here on the line being a protective human shield saving the injured", and throwing a smoke grenade towards Israeli forces.<ref name=":2" /><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/israeli-army-video-shows-killed-gaza-medic-throwing-gas-canister-1.6156535|title=Israeli Army: Video Shows Killed Gaza Medic Throwing Gas Canister|last=Kubovich|first=Yaniv|date=8 June 2018|work=[[Haaretz]]|access-date=9 June 2018|language=en}}</ref> But [[Israel Defense Forces]] clip cut her statement after she said: “human shield.”<ref name=":2" /> The IDF's release of selectively edited videos against Al-Najar was called by media commentators "a coordinated smear campaign"<ref name=":1" /> and part of a "narrative battle".<ref name=":3" />


==U.N. recognition==
==U.N. recognition==
On June 2, 2018, a group of agencies at United Nations in New York City issued a press release expressing their anguish over her death,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.emro.who.int/pse/palestine-news/un-agencies-deeply-concerned-over-killing-of-health-volunteer-in-gaza.html?format=html|title=WHO EMRO - UN agencies deeply concerned over killing of health volunteer in Gaza - Palestine-news - Palestine|last=|first=|date=|website=www.emro.who.int|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|accessdate=4 June 2018}}</ref> calling al-Najjar "a clearly identified medical staffer," and it stated the killing of the nurse to be "particularly reprehensible". The UN Envoy for the Middle East singled her case out for attention, tweeting "Medical workers are notatarget".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2018/06/02/a-palestinian-medic-was-shot-dead-in-gaza-now-israel-says-it-will-launch-a-probe/|title=A Palestinian medic was shot dead in Gaza. Now Israel says it will investigate.|first=Siobhán|last=O'Grady|date=2 June 2018|publisher=|accessdate=4 June 2018|via=www.washingtonpost.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://electronicintifada.net/blogs/ali-abunimah/gaza-medic-killed-israel-she-rescued-injured|title=Gaza medic killed by Israel as she rescued injured|first=Ali|last=Abunimah|date=2 June 2018|website=electronicintifada.net|accessdate=4 June 2018}}</ref>
On June 2, 2018, a group of agencies at United Nations in New York City issued a press release expressing their anguish over her death,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.emro.who.int/pse/palestine-news/un-agencies-deeply-concerned-over-killing-of-health-volunteer-in-gaza.html?format=html|title=WHO EMRO - UN agencies deeply concerned over killing of health volunteer in Gaza - Palestine-news - Palestine|last=|first=|date=|website=www.emro.who.int|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|accessdate=4 June 2018}}</ref> calling al-Najjar "a clearly identified medical staffer," and it stated the killing of the nurse to be "particularly reprehensible". The UN Envoy for the Middle East singled her case out for attention, tweeting "Medical workers are notatarget".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2018/06/02/a-palestinian-medic-was-shot-dead-in-gaza-now-israel-says-it-will-launch-a-probe/|title=A Palestinian medic was shot dead in Gaza. Now Israel says it will investigate.|first=Siobhán|last=O'Grady|date=2 June 2018|publisher=|accessdate=4 June 2018|via=www.washingtonpost.com}}</ref><ref name=":0" />


Israeli military spokepersons responded but provided no official report on the shooting; they did say that the facts would be investigated.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/IDF-probing-shooting-death-of-Palestinian-nurse-558982|title=IDF investigating shooting death of Palestinian nurse in Gaza protests|website=jpost.com|accessdate=4 June 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-israel-palestinians-protests/israeli-military-says-to-probe-killing-of-gaza-nurse-idUSKCN1IY0DF|title=Israeli military says to probe killing of Gaza nurse|first=Maayan|last=Lubell|website=reuters.com|accessdate=4 June 2018}}</ref> Israel had repeatedly warned that anyone approaching the fence risked death.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pressdemocrat.com/news/8392166-181/palestinian-medic-who-saved-lives|title=Medic who saved lives loses her own in Gaza|date=2 June 2018|website=pressdemocrat.com|accessdate=4 June 2018}}</ref> The Gazans were calling this a peaceful protest while the Israelis referred to the protests as riots. The protests began March 30, 2018.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2018-06/02/c_137223999.htm|title=Palestinian female paramedic killed in anti-Israel rally in eastern Gaza - Xinhua - English.news.cn|website=www.xinhuanet.com|accessdate=4 June 2018}}</ref> On June 1, a UN Security Council resolution proposed condemning the state of Israel for use of "excessive, disproportionate and indiscriminate force" against Palestinian protesters at the border fence. It was vetoed by a permanent member of the UN security council and key ally of Israel,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/06/01/world/middleeast/gaza-israel-palestinians-.html|title=U.S. Vetoes U.N. Resolution on Gaza, Fails to Win Second Vote on its Own Measure|date=1 June 2018|publisher=|accessdate=4 June 2018|via=NYTimes.com}}</ref> the United States.<ref name="nytimes.com"/>
Israeli military spokepersons responded but provided no official report on the shooting; they did say that the facts would be investigated.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/IDF-probing-shooting-death-of-Palestinian-nurse-558982|title=IDF investigating shooting death of Palestinian nurse in Gaza protests|last=Ahronheim|first=Anna|date=2 June 2018|website=The Jerusalem Post {{!}} JPost.com|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|accessdate=4 June 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-israel-palestinians-protests/israeli-military-says-to-probe-killing-of-gaza-nurse-idUSKCN1IY0DF|title=Israeli military says to probe killing of Gaza nurse|first=Maayan|last=Lubell|website=reuters.com|accessdate=4 June 2018}}</ref> Israel had repeatedly warned that anyone approaching the fence risked death.<ref name="nytimes.com" /> The Gazans were calling this a peaceful protest while the Israelis referred to the protests as riots. The protests began March 30, 2018.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2018-06/02/c_137223999.htm|title=Palestinian female paramedic killed in anti-Israel rally in eastern Gaza - Xinhua - English.news.cn|website=www.xinhuanet.com|accessdate=4 June 2018}}</ref> On June 1, a UN Security Council resolution proposed condemning the state of Israel for use of "excessive, disproportionate and indiscriminate force" against Palestinian protesters at the border fence. It was vetoed by a permanent member of the UN security council and key ally of Israel,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/06/01/world/middleeast/gaza-israel-palestinians-.html|title=U.S. Vetoes U.N. Resolution on Gaza, Fails to Win Second Vote on its Own Measure|last=Gladstone|first=Rick|date=1 June 2018|website=|publisher=|via=NYTimes.com|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|accessdate=4 June 2018}}</ref> the United States.<ref name="nytimes.com"/>


==Death==
==Death==
Razan was a first responder at the "Great March of Return" that resulted in the [[2018 Gaza border protests]]. On June 1, 2018 while wearing her clearly identifiable white [[Medic|medics]] uniform with her hands raised in the air as a sign that she was unarmed, Razan ran towards an injured Palestinian protester in order to treat them but she only got as far as 100 meters away from the border before she was fatally shot by an Israeli sniper on the other side of the wall.
Razan was a first responder at the "Great March of Return" that resulted in the [[2018 Gaza border protests]]. On June 1, 2018 while wearing her clearly identifiable white [[Medic|medics]] uniform with her hands raised in the air as a sign that she was unarmed, Razan ran towards an injured Palestinian protester in order to treat them but she only got as far as 100 meters away from the border before she was fatally shot by an Israeli sniper on the other side of the wall.


She was 21 years old at the time of her death. Iyad Abuheweila, a journalist, interviewed her during the protests. Ms. Najjar was a fixture at the Khan Younis camp and spoke about her role at the fence, relishing in the idea that a woman could brave the dangers.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://gulfnews.com/news/mena/palestine/razan-al-najjar-palestinian-medic-who-saved-lives-shot-dead-by-israeli-sniper-1.2230924|title=Razan Al Najjar: Palestinian medic who saved lives shot dead by Israeli sniper|first=IYAD ABUHEWEILA and ISABEL KERSHNER, New York|last=Times|date=3 June 2018|website=gulfnews.com|accessdate=4 June 2018}}</ref>
She was 21 years old at the time of her death. Iyad Abuheweila, a journalist, interviewed her during the protests. Ms. Najjar was a fixture at the Khan Younis camp and spoke about her role at the fence, relishing in the idea that a woman could brave the dangers.<ref name="nytimes.com" />


"In our society women are often judged," she said. "But society has to accept us. If they don’t want to accept us by choice, they will be forced to accept us because we have more strength than any man."
"In our society women are often judged," she said. "But society has to accept us. If they don’t want to accept us by choice, they will be forced to accept us because we have more strength than any man."


"The strength that I showed the first day of the protests, I dare you to find it in anyone else." Thousands of Gaza's attended her funeral along with hundreds of medical personnel, with her body being wrapped in a [[Flag of Palestine|Palestinian flag]]. Her father carried her blood-stained medical jacket, while other mourners demanded revenge.<ref name="bbc">{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-44343263|title=Gaza violence: Thousands attend funeral for Palestinian medic|website=BBC News|accessdate=2018-06-03}}</ref><ref name="thestar">{{cite web|url=https://www.thestar.com/news/world/2018/06/02/medic-who-saved-lives-loses-her-own-in-gaza.html|title=Medic who saved lives loses her own in Gaza|website=The Star|accessdate=2018-06-03}}</ref><ref name="middleeasteye">{{cite web|url=http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/thousands-gaza-mourn-palestinian-paramedic-killed-israel-660713987|title=Thousands in Gaza mourn Palestinian paramedic killed by Israel|website=Middle East Eye|accessdate=2018-06-03}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/un-official-condemns-reprehensible-killing-of-gaza-medic/|title=UN official condemns ‘reprehensible’ killing of Gaza medic|website=timesofisrael.com|accessdate=4 June 2018}}</ref>
"The strength that I showed the first day of the protests, I dare you to find it in anyone else." Thousands of Gaza's attended her funeral along with hundreds of medical personnel, with her body being wrapped in a [[Flag of Palestine|Palestinian flag]]. Her father carried her blood-stained medical jacket, while other mourners demanded revenge.<ref name="bbc">{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-44343263|title=Gaza violence: Thousands attend funeral for Palestinian medic|website=BBC News|accessdate=2018-06-03}}</ref><ref name="nytimes.com" /><ref name="middleeasteye">{{cite web|url=http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/thousands-gaza-mourn-palestinian-paramedic-killed-israel-660713987|title=Thousands in Gaza mourn Palestinian paramedic killed by Israel|last=Khoudary|first=Hind|date=2 June 2018|website=Middle East Eye|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|accessdate=6 June 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/un-official-condemns-reprehensible-killing-of-gaza-medic/|title=UN official condemns ‘reprehensible’ killing of Gaza medic|website=timesofisrael.com|accessdate=4 June 2018}}</ref>


Razan’s death came before she and her fiancé Izzat Shatat were to announce their engagement at the end of [[Ramadan]].
Razan’s death came before she and her fiancé Izzat Shatat were to announce their engagement at the end of [[Ramadan]].


On June 1, 2018, her cousin Ramzi al-Najjar was also shot and killed by Israeli forces after he hacked his way through Israel's border fence with Gaza.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thenational.ae/world/mena/rage-at-israel-s-killing-of-unarmed-palestinians-boils-over-in-gaza-1.737599|title=Rage at Israel's&nbsp;killing of unarmed Palestinians boils over in Gaza|work=The National|access-date=2018-06-07|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.democracynow.org/2018/6/5/headlines/israeli_soldiers_kill_cousin_of_slain_palestinian_medic_razan_al_najjar|title=Israeli Soldiers Kill Cousin of Slain Palestinian Medic Razan al-Najjar|work=Democracy Now!|access-date=2018-06-08|language=en}}</ref>
On June 1, 2018, her cousin Ramzi al-Najjar was also shot and killed by Israeli forces after he hacked his way through Israel's border fence with Gaza.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thenational.ae/world/mena/rage-at-israel-s-killing-of-unarmed-palestinians-boils-over-in-gaza-1.737599|title=Rage at Israel's&nbsp;killing of unarmed Palestinians boils over in Gaza|last=Mohanna|first=Nagham|date=6 June 2018|work=The National|access-date=2018-06-07|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.democracynow.org/2018/6/5/headlines/israeli_soldiers_kill_cousin_of_slain_palestinian_medic_razan_al_najjar|title=Israeli Soldiers Kill Cousin of Slain Palestinian Medic Razan al-Najjar|work=Democracy Now!|access-date=2018-06-08|language=en}}</ref>


==References==
==References==

Revision as of 14:54, 9 June 2018

Razan al-Najar
File:Razan al-Najar.jpg
Born(1996-09-11)11 September 1996
Khuza'a, Khan Yunis
Died1 June 2018(2018-06-01) (aged 21)
Gaza
Cause of deathGunshot
OccupationNurse
Known forAiding injured Palestinian protesters

Razan Ashraf Abdul Qadir al-Najjar (11 September 1996 – 1 June 2018), the eldest of six children born to Ashraf al-Najjar (b. 1974), was a Palestinian nurse volunteering in the Gaza health ministry. She was a resident of Khuzaa, a village near the border with Israel.[1]

She was fatally shot in the chest, by an Israeli soldier, as she, with her arms raised to show she was unarmed, tried to help evacuate the wounded near Israel's border fence with Gaza.[2] Israel denies any fire was directed at the nurse, however has not yet ruled out being hit by indirect fire.[3]

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has released a footage of an interview of al-Najar with Lebanese media which was misleadingly[4][5] edited to show Al-Najar "admitting" she had come to the protest to act as human shield against the Israeli soldiers, supposedly at Hamas' request. Several media outlets have accused the IDF of selectively editing the video to chip away at her image, as in unedited version of the video, she makes no mention whatsoever of Hamas and describes herself as a "rescuing human shield to protect and save the wounded at the front lines" (with the entire quote, except for "human shield", removed from the IDF's release).[4][5][6]

Further footage showing her throwing a supposed tear-gas canister at a distance of some 100 metres from the border, was released by the Israeli army.[7] Calling the video "tightly edited", the New York Times estimated that the footage was not taken on the day she was killed and stated "the canister does not appear to be aimed at anyone."[8]

Volunteer

Her formal training after volunteering was as a paramedic in Khan Younis at Nasser hospital and she became an active member of the Palestinian Medical Relief Society, a non-governmental health organization. She wore the white coat of the medics and a medics vest with bandages, and was attending those wounded during protests at the border fence between Gaza and Israel during Ramadan.[9]

In video footage released by the Israeli army on the 7 June 2018, Najar is seen saying "I’m here on the line being a protective human shield saving the injured", and throwing a smoke grenade towards Israeli forces.[7][10] But Israel Defense Forces clip cut her statement after she said: “human shield.”[7] The IDF's release of selectively edited videos against Al-Najar was called by media commentators "a coordinated smear campaign"[5] and part of a "narrative battle".[8]

U.N. recognition

On June 2, 2018, a group of agencies at United Nations in New York City issued a press release expressing their anguish over her death,[11] calling al-Najjar "a clearly identified medical staffer," and it stated the killing of the nurse to be "particularly reprehensible". The UN Envoy for the Middle East singled her case out for attention, tweeting "Medical workers are notatarget".[12][1]

Israeli military spokepersons responded but provided no official report on the shooting; they did say that the facts would be investigated.[13][14] Israel had repeatedly warned that anyone approaching the fence risked death.[9] The Gazans were calling this a peaceful protest while the Israelis referred to the protests as riots. The protests began March 30, 2018.[15] On June 1, a UN Security Council resolution proposed condemning the state of Israel for use of "excessive, disproportionate and indiscriminate force" against Palestinian protesters at the border fence. It was vetoed by a permanent member of the UN security council and key ally of Israel,[16] the United States.[9]

Death

Razan was a first responder at the "Great March of Return" that resulted in the 2018 Gaza border protests. On June 1, 2018 while wearing her clearly identifiable white medics uniform with her hands raised in the air as a sign that she was unarmed, Razan ran towards an injured Palestinian protester in order to treat them but she only got as far as 100 meters away from the border before she was fatally shot by an Israeli sniper on the other side of the wall.

She was 21 years old at the time of her death. Iyad Abuheweila, a journalist, interviewed her during the protests. Ms. Najjar was a fixture at the Khan Younis camp and spoke about her role at the fence, relishing in the idea that a woman could brave the dangers.[9]

"In our society women are often judged," she said. "But society has to accept us. If they don’t want to accept us by choice, they will be forced to accept us because we have more strength than any man."

"The strength that I showed the first day of the protests, I dare you to find it in anyone else." Thousands of Gaza's attended her funeral along with hundreds of medical personnel, with her body being wrapped in a Palestinian flag. Her father carried her blood-stained medical jacket, while other mourners demanded revenge.[17][9][18][19]

Razan’s death came before she and her fiancé Izzat Shatat were to announce their engagement at the end of Ramadan.

On June 1, 2018, her cousin Ramzi al-Najjar was also shot and killed by Israeli forces after he hacked his way through Israel's border fence with Gaza.[20][21]

References

  1. ^ a b Abunimah, Ali (2018-06-02). "Gaza medic killed by Israel as she rescued injured". The Electronic Intifada. Retrieved 2018-06-04.
  2. ^ "Protests resume after Palestinian paramedic's Gaza funeral". NBC News. Retrieved 2018-06-05.
  3. ^ Ahronheim, Anna (5 June 2018). "IDF says no direct fire was aimed at Gazan nurse killed Friday". The Jerusalem Post | JPost.com. Retrieved 8 June 2018.
  4. ^ a b McKernan, Bethan (8 June 2018). "Israeli army edits video of Palestinian medic its troops shot dead to misleadingly show she was 'human shield for Hamas'". The Independent. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |dead-url= (help)
  5. ^ a b c Mackey, Robert (8 June 2018). "Israel Attempts to Smear Razan al-Najjar, Palestinian Medic It Killed, Calling Her "No Angel"". The Intercept. Retrieved 9 June 2018. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |dead-url= (help)
  6. ^ Buchanan, Rose (8 June 2018). "The Israeli Army Edited This Clip Of A Medic They Killed To Make Her Look Like She Was Acting As A Human Shield". Buzzfeed.
  7. ^ a b c Pileggi, Tamar. "After saying it shot medic by accident, IDF claims she was 'no angel'". The Times of Israel. Retrieved 2018-06-08.
  8. ^ a b Buchsbaum, Herbet (7 June 2018). "Israeli Video Portrays Medic Killed in Gaza as Tool of Hamas". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 9 June 2018.
  9. ^ a b c d e Abuheweila, Iyad; Kershner, Isabel (1 June 2018). "A Woman Dedicated to Saving Lives Loses Hers in Gaza Violence". The New York Times. Retrieved 4 June 2018 – via NYTimes.com. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |dead-url= (help)
  10. ^ Kubovich, Yaniv (8 June 2018). "Israeli Army: Video Shows Killed Gaza Medic Throwing Gas Canister". Haaretz. Retrieved 9 June 2018.
  11. ^ "WHO EMRO - UN agencies deeply concerned over killing of health volunteer in Gaza - Palestine-news - Palestine". www.emro.who.int. Retrieved 4 June 2018. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |dead-url= (help)
  12. ^ O'Grady, Siobhán (2 June 2018). "A Palestinian medic was shot dead in Gaza. Now Israel says it will investigate". Retrieved 4 June 2018 – via www.washingtonpost.com.
  13. ^ Ahronheim, Anna (2 June 2018). "IDF investigating shooting death of Palestinian nurse in Gaza protests". The Jerusalem Post | JPost.com. Retrieved 4 June 2018. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |dead-url= (help)
  14. ^ Lubell, Maayan. "Israeli military says to probe killing of Gaza nurse". reuters.com. Retrieved 4 June 2018.
  15. ^ "Palestinian female paramedic killed in anti-Israel rally in eastern Gaza - Xinhua - English.news.cn". www.xinhuanet.com. Retrieved 4 June 2018.
  16. ^ Gladstone, Rick (1 June 2018). "U.S. Vetoes U.N. Resolution on Gaza, Fails to Win Second Vote on its Own Measure". Retrieved 4 June 2018 – via NYTimes.com. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |dead-url= (help)
  17. ^ "Gaza violence: Thousands attend funeral for Palestinian medic". BBC News. Retrieved 2018-06-03.
  18. ^ Khoudary, Hind (2 June 2018). "Thousands in Gaza mourn Palestinian paramedic killed by Israel". Middle East Eye. Retrieved 6 June 2018. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |dead-url= (help)
  19. ^ "UN official condemns 'reprehensible' killing of Gaza medic". timesofisrael.com. Retrieved 4 June 2018.
  20. ^ Mohanna, Nagham (6 June 2018). "Rage at Israel's killing of unarmed Palestinians boils over in Gaza". The National. Retrieved 2018-06-07.
  21. ^ "Israeli Soldiers Kill Cousin of Slain Palestinian Medic Razan al-Najjar". Democracy Now!. Retrieved 2018-06-08.
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