November 27, 2007

"I appeal to the world and all international organizations to help open Gaza crossings. Patients are the weakest category in Gaza strip. Patients do not represent at all a threat on Israel security. Since last October, I no longer had any treatment available in Al Shifa hospital in Gaza. I lost 21 kilos in one month. I cannot find the prescribed medicine due to shortage of drugs. I just depend on pain-killers to survive".

These were Nael Alkurdi's last words during an interview with Ramattan Media Agency before leaving our world, and his pain behind.

Nael was denied access to medical treatment in Israel. This 21 year-old Palestinian young man is another victim of the Israeli oppressive infringement of basic human rights. Nael suffered from testicular cancer. He was given chemotherapy in Gaza as well as in Egypt. There were early signs of progress, with the tumor shrinking by 50%. After Israel has tightened its siege on Gaza and strictly closed all crossing to the outside world, Nael had only one last hope to get medical treatment in Israeli hospital. Since July, Nael and his family and the ministry of health, have been trying to get him out of Gaza for medical treatment.

Miri Weingarten from the Israeli Physicians for Human Rights organization, said in an interview with ABC Australia:

"Definitely. In July, he was on the way of recovery, and should he has received appropriate medical care at that time, he would have chances to recover. He was very young, he was only 21-years-old".

"I suffer from cancer" Nael said. "I demand all parties in the world to find a solution for the crossing problems in Gaza Strip. Medical treatment is not available in Gaza hospitals especially for cancer patients. I am trying to leave Gaza to get the treatment inside the green-line (Israel) or in any Arab country. However, I have not been able to do so. Gaza crossings are closed. The Israeli authorities denied me entry to the green-line since the last three months claiming security reasons. The ministry of health has made three attempts to bring me out for medical treatment but without any progress".

Couple of days later, Nael passed away while waiting at Erez crossing to leave the Gaza Strip for cancer treatment in Israel. He was denied access, and denied life.

To hear the ABC interview:
http://mpegmedia.abc.net.au/news/audio/am/200711/20071122am0
7-mideast-cancer.mp3