Settlers treat electrocuted Palestinian boy

Severely injured child's parents take him to Neve Tzuf, where medics stabilize him until ambulance evacuates him to Israeli hospital

Itamar Fleishman|Published: 10.15.12 , 23:22

A six-year-old Palestinian who was electrocuted was treated by Jews from Neve Tzuf on Monday after his parents, seeking medical attention, brought him to the settlement's gate.

The child, who sustained severe injuries, was treated by a medic who resides in the West Bank settlement. He was later evacuated to the Sheba Medical Center at Tel Hashomer for further treatment.

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Neve Tzuf, which is located in the Binyamin Regional Council, has been at the center of tensions between local Jews and Arabs. The wellspring at Nabi Saleh, located in close proximity to Neve Tzuf, is the site of weekly clashes between Palestinian protesters and Israeli security forces.

Despite the hostility, the child, a resident of one of the nearby villages, was given first aid by Jewish medics who, with the help of IDF Medical Corps soldiers stationed in the area, stabilized the boy until an ambulance arrived from the settlement of Ofra and evacuated him to Israel.

Neve Tzuf residents said that the incident was not uncommon and that Palestinians often seek medical treatment at the settlement. On one occasion, the settlers helped a Palestinian receive treatment at an Israeli hospital despite the fact that he did not have an entry permit.

Baruch Ram, who is in charge of security at Neve Tzuf, said "this is a phenomenon. This was not the first time injured and sick people come here - especially in the winter."

"The assistance we give them does not help us develop good neighborly relations. We've never gotten a 'thank you,' and the truth is that I cannot explain it. We are fulfilling our duty and helping a person in distress," he added.