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PRCS HQ Catches Fire Due to Shelling
February 09, 2001
Friday Feb. 9. Last night PRCS headquarters and central ambulance dispatch in
Ramallah were fired upon and hit several times with heavy & explosive cannon fire
causing the top floor to catch fire. Israeli army gunners from the nearby hilltop
settlement of Psagot fired continuously into the area for over 3 hours. Ambulance
dispatch was paralyzed during this period.
However, during this period, paramedics managed to respond to a call from a nearby home
that was on fire. The crew evacuated the residents, extinguished the fire (fire
trucks could not reach the area due to heavy shelling) and provided first aid.
All telephone lines and the central 101 telephone for ambulance dispatch were also hit and
cut for the Ramallah region. Other damages included 3 water tanks on the roof top,
and the PRCS mini-bus for the disabled. PRCS HQ was also hit and damaged on Dec 31, 2000.
No injuries were reported.
PRCS is dismayed at this pattern of behavior by the Israeli army showing complete lack of
respect for our medical humanitarian mission and activities. However, as we have
always stated, we will continue to provide emergency medical services to all in need, both
Israeli and Palestinian.
We again ask Red Cross/Red Crescent societies, the movement, and the ICRC to protest these
actions in the strongest of terms.
PRCS President
Younis Al-Khatib
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