Jihad Abdul Rahman, defenite determination
Room 10 in ward 24 at King Abdulaziz Medical City was the last stop on my journey that day in visiting Ghaza's patients.
Filled with hope and determination that Gaza will survive this ordeal and continue fighting for its freedom, Jihad Abdulrahman was telling his story. Jihad's epic began on January 4th at Khan Younis a town in southern Gaza Strip. It has been 8 days since the Israeli occupation forces' war on Gaza started.
It was Sunday morning when Jihad the 33 year old pharmacist was walking with his friend Mohammed Al Heelah when an Israeli armed drone fired two missiles aimed at them. Jihad was stunned by this sudden attack and looked for his friend Mohammed to find out that Mohammed was dead adding one innocent soul to the 930 Palestinian victims while Jihad was among the 4300 injuries which were the result of Israeli bombing so far.
A group of people took Jihad to Kamal Odwan Hospital in Jabalia, north of Gaza where he underwent amputation for both of his legs, 3 fingers from his left hand. He also had a fracture in his right forearm. Jihad was suffering from major burns and skin loss on his back and thighs. Due to his critical state he was then transferred to Rafah Border Crossing to the Military Hospital at Arish where he received medical care for his wounds.
His final destination was a medical evacuation aircraft heading to Riyadh the capital of Saudi Arabia where he will receive the medical care he needs at King Abdulaziz Medical City, National Guard Health Affairs. With Jihad was his cousin Adnan Hamdan who was taking care of Jihad in these painful days.
"Don't worry about Ghaza, we will win by Allah's will. We will keep resisting and not be defeated by the Israeli barbaric attacks." Jihad said with his strong and determent voice.
"We would like to thank the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques king Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz for the support he is providing to Gaza's refugees and for the heartfelt welcome we received from the people who are taking care of us from the moment we set our feet at Riyadh's Airport." Adnan said.
On my way out I met Jihad's orthopedic surgeon Dr. Bader Al Otaibi who reassured me about Jihad's medical state. Jihad was treated for the inflammations he suffered from and he will need surgery for the fractures and skin loss he has on his thighs and back.
At the door was a Saudi young man who wanted to pay his respects to Jihad's courage and to let him know that he is not alone here but among his family.