Unable to speak, the Palestinian father Akram al-Ostath lies on a bed in the third floor of Shuhada al-Aqsa Hospital in the Gaza Strip where he receives assistance with daily tasks of living

Earlier this month, al-Ostath, 29, suffered serious injuries by an Israeli explosive bullet while taking part in the Great March of Return east of al-Bureij refugee camp in central Gaza Strip.

The Israeli occupation forces stationed on the eastern border of the Gaza Strip in the past weeks have intensified their use of explosive bullets against the Palestinians in the Great March of Return, which has led to severe damages in the bodies of the wounded protesters.

Excruciating pain
In the hospital room, Akram's relatives and family visit him in groups throughout the day after pain has become his closest friend.

"I was standing far away from the border fence, peacefully participating in the Great March of Return, when all of a sudden a bullet penetrated my abdomen. I fell to the ground and lost a lot of blood. When I woke up again I was in the hospital," Akram told the PIC reporter.

A few days ago Akram underwent a surgery in which doctors tried to remove the bullet fragments from his intestines. With chronic pain, only painkillers can help him get through the day.

Fatigue is clearly visible on Akram's face due to internal bleeding, while doctors are still waiting for his intestines to heal after the operation.

"I always think of my wife and my children and how my injury has cost me a normal life with them," Akram said.

Serious health condition
Akram's brother, Mahmoud, said that the Israeli explosive bullet has torn his brother's intestines and that his unbearable pain barely allows him to sleep. "He still can't eat or drink anything," Mahmoud added.

Akram's children miss their father and everyday ask when he will come back to play with them. Akram's grief for being forced to stay away from his children doubles his pain.

Doctors at Shuhada al-Aqsa Hospital have voiced concern over the type of injuries they have dealt with lately.

They affirmed that the Israeli forces use explosive bullets to target peaceful protesters, causing serious abdominal damages, which in addition to putting the life of wounded protesters in danger, make it very difficult for them to do the simplest daily tasks.

 

Source: The Palestinian Information Center