A Melbourne student who was allegedly shot at by Israeli forces has recalled how she feared losing her life and is now fighting to save the vision in her right eye.
Ranem Abu Izneid, 20, has returned home to Melbourne after the terrifying ordeal that took place while she was studying in her room on the Al-Quds University campus in Abu Dis, a Palestinian town in the West Bank, on November 15.
From her hospital bed, Ms Abu Izneid said she heard gunshots and her roommate went to the window to see what was happening. ABC News reported.
The student claimed that an Israeli soldier then started shooting at the window of the room.
“The bullets penetrated the window frame, sending shrapnel into my face, neck and chest, especially my right eye,” she said.
“I could have died.”
The third-year dental student does not know whether she can return to her studies and is still traumatized and in pain from her physical injuries.
The Australian national said her life had been “turned upside down”, adding that she had been minding her own business when the shooting happened.
Ranem Abu Izneid, 20, (pictured) is now recovering at the Royal Melbourne Hospital after being injured by shrapnel in her university room in the West Bank on November 15.
The student (pictured) suffered injuries to her face, neck and chest and will undergo surgery in Melbourne to save her right eye
The student was grateful to Australian embassy staff who helped her family, but she would like more help.
‘I want to be able to see again. I want to be able to realize my dreams again. “I want them to help me with my studies if I can continue my dental studies here,” she said.
Her mother Rana said her family did not believe the attack and found the situation “horrific”.
She added that where her daughter studied is a “safe area,” without war and full of students.
Ms Abu Izneid underwent surgery in Jerusalem before embarking on an agonizing journey to Jordan, followed by the long-haul flight to Australia.
The third-year dental student flew back to Australia without medical supervision and the Palestinian Australian New Zealand Medical Association called it ‘inappropriate’
The Foreign Office said it provided consular assistance, but the student was put on a commercial flight to Melbourne without medical supervision. 9 News.
The Palestinian Australian New Zealand Medical Association is unhappy with the student’s lack of medical attention during her long flight home, calling it ‘inappropriate’.
She and Ms Abu Izneid’s family have called for an independent investigation into the alleged shooting.
“It’s so frustrating, so frustrating, I can’t imagine why we allowed this to happen,” said Dr Mohammed Irrimeh of the Palestinian Australian New Zealand Medical Association.
Despite the Australian government’s website The Smart Traveler advising Australians not to travel to the West Bank, the city where the student was located is a non-combat zone.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted Foreign Minister Penny Wong’s office and the Embassy of Israel in Australia for comment.