An Australian woman is in "emotional distress" and fears for her future after sustaining potentially life-altering injuries when she was hit by shrapnel from a bullet fired into her student accommodation.
Ranem Abu Izneid — who was born in Jordan to a Palestinian family who now lives in Melbourne — is in her third year studying dentistry at Al-Quds University, which is located in Abu Dis in , near Jerusalem, and is a non-combat zone.
But on 15 November, a bullet, allegedly shot by Israeli forces, penetrated her dormitory window, with the shrapnel injuring her.
Abu Izneid sustained serious injuries to her face, neck, scalp, chest and her right eye out of which she is unable to see.
SBS News contacted the Israel ministry of defence, the Israel Defense Forces, and the Israeli government for comment.
Ranem Abu Izneid is an Australian citizen who has been studying at Al Quds University in Jerusalem. Source: Supplied / Palestinian Australian New Zealand Medical Association
Speaking from her hospital bed, she told SBS News she was "experiencing significant pain and emotional distress" and said her "future is uncertain".
"I am facing the prospect of multiple surgeries," she said.
"The trauma of the event and the uncertainty about my recovery are overwhelming, as well as the uncertainty of my future health and ability to continue my studies."
A bullet, allegedly shot by Israeli forces, penetrated Ranem Abu Izneid's dormitory window. Source: Supplied
Abu Izneid wants 'full and transparent investigation'
The Palestinian Australian New Zealand Medical Association (PANZMA) is coordinating her medical care in Australia. The group is a not-for-profit dedicated to addressing the health and humanitarian challenges Palestinians face due to ongoing conflict, occupation and displacement.
PANZMA said she was initially treated at St John's Hospital in Jerusalem with "minimal surgical intervention", after which she was evacuated to Jordan for further assessment. The group claimed authorities provided "limited support" with her evacuation.
PANZMA board member Dr Amireh Fakhouri, who is facilitating Abu Izneid's care, said the 20-year-old had had surgery on her eye at St John's Hospital, but it was unsuccessful.
Abu Izneid and her family want the Australian government to intervene, with an investigation into how the incident happened in a non-combat zone.
"I demand a full and transparent investigation into the unjustified attack on me inside my own home," she said, adding that those behind the attack must be held accountable.
"Justice and accountability are not just for me, but to uphold the principles of protecting innocent lives."
Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed to SBS News 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 about the circumstances of the incident," a department spokesperson said.
Her family said in a statement on Saturday: "She is an innocent civilian, caught in violence she has no part in.
"We are calling on the Australian government, medical community, and public to support her recovery and raise awareness of the toll this conflict has on innocent lives."
A Victorian government spokesperson told SBS News it had offered assistance to Abu Izneid's family.
SBS News has contacted St John's Hospital, and Al-Quds University for comment.
