Palestine photojournalist injured by Israel army fire arrives in Turkiye for medical treatment

Ashraf Amra (C), photojournalist of Anadolu Agency (AA), who was wounded during the intervention of Israeli soldiers at a demonstration organized on the border of the Gaza Strip, arrives in Istanbul further treatment in Istanbul, Turkiye on September 18, 2023. [ Muhammed Enes Yıldırım – Anadolu Agency ]

A Palestinian photojournalist, who was severely injured on his hand by Israeli army fire while covering a protest demonstration, arrived in Turkiye for treatment on Monday, Anadolu Agency reports.

Ashraf Amra, a freelancer for Turkiye’s premier news agency, Anadolu, arrived in Istanbul on a Turkish Airlines flight from Cairo, Egypt’s capital.

On Friday, Amra was covering a protest demonstration of Palestinians near the border in the Khan Yunis region in the east of the Gaza Strip when Israeli soldiers opened fire to disperse them.

Twelve Palestinians were injured by live ammunition, rubber-coated bullets and tear gas shells. The Israeli army’s fire severely injured Amra’s hand.

Ashraf Amra, photojournalist of Anadolu Agency (AA), is shot in his hand while on duty as a result of the intervention of Israeli forces in Khan Yunis, Gaza on September 15, 2023. [Abed Rahim Khatib – Anadolu Agency]

The Israeli soldiers opened intense fire on the Palestinians and deliberately targeted the journalists at the scene, Amra told Anadolu at the airport.

READ: Palestinians injured as Israel dispersed demonstrations near Gaza fence

“I was one of the journalists who wore the uniform that stated ‘Press’. What we document and photograph is clearly visible through the cameras. However, Israeli soldiers threw explosives directly at me while I was holding the camera in my hand,” he said.

He was taken to a hospital after being injured, Amra said, adding that during the initial examination, it was discovered that he had a large tear in his right hand as well as major nerve and tendon damage.

“I would like to thank Anadolu for making all efforts to take me out of the Gaza Strip from the beginning to prevent part of my right hand from being amputated,” he said, lauding the Turkish news agency for paying close attention to him during this difficult time.

“My treatment will continue here,” he added.

Amra was taken to Basaksehir Cam and Sakura City Hospital, where his treatment will continue.

READ: Anadolu Agency photojournalist Ashraf Amra injured by tear gas fired by Israeli forces in Khan Yunis

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