Awaiting Death: The Story of K, Denied Redress by the Israeli High Court
K.AD, a 33-year-old woman from Gaza, was diagnosed with cancer (Hodgkin's lymphoma) in 2006. She underwent chemotherapy,
radiotherapy and a bone marrow transplant in Egypt before the Rafah Crossing into Egypt was closed in June 2007. She was
referred to a different medical centre, in Nablus in the West Bank, for chemotherapy. She requested and received an exit
permit from the Israeli authorities, and underwent two courses of intensive chemotherapy in August. Improvement was
achieved after the first course, and her doctors told her it was essential she continue both chemotherapy and
radiotherapy in order to prevent recurrence of the disease. She was referred for two further courses in Nablus, West
Bank, in late November 2007.
* K requested a permit for exit via the Palestinian MoH referrals department, but was rejected "for security reasons" by
the Israeli authorities at Erez Crossing.
* K postponed her treatment to 17.1207 and applied a second time for a permit on 6.12.07. PHR-Israel applied on her
behalf on 11.12.07.
* No response was received for either K's or PHR-Israel's request.
* K missed her appointment.
Following a further application that went unanswered, PHR-Israel applied on her behalf to the Israeli High Court on
29.12.07.
In a medical summary based on medical files, given by Israeli doctor Professor Dina Ben Yehuda, haemato-oncologist, head
of the Haematology Department at Hadassah Ein Karem hospital, west Jerusalem, and submitted to the High Court, Professor
Ben Yehuda stressed that K would die if her treatment was interrupted.
In the HCJ ruling, on 8.1.08, the Court saw "no grounds for intervention" in her security prohibition.
An updated report was provided by the Palestinian treating doctor on 26.2.08. According to it and to Professor Ben
Yehuda, K's chances of survival are now very low due to a relapse. She is now in general bad condition, ventilated and
suffering severe pain.
Professor Ben Yehuda recommends urgent referral to an advanced medical center in Israel in order to receive further care
that may improve her chances or at least alleviate her suffering.
PHR-Israel holds the government of Israel, the General Security Service and the Israeli High Court responsible for the
condition of this woman.
ENDS