IDF: Bil’in protester’s death unconnected to tear gas

Jawaher Abu Rahma died as a result of medical treatment from a Ramallah hospital, including medicine used to treat cancer, poisoning.

By YAAKOV KATZ
Jawaher Abu Rahma Bil'in 311 (photo credit: TOVAH LAZAROFF)
Jawaher Abu Rahma Bil'in 311
(photo credit: TOVAH LAZAROFF)
Jawaher Abu Rahma, the woman who Palestinians claimed was killed a week and a half ago by IDF-fired tear gas during an demonstration near Bil’in, died as a result of the medical treatment she received at a Ramallah hospital, the commander of the IDF’s Judea and Samaria Division said on Friday.
Brig.-Gen. Nitzan Alon said that the IDF’s conclusion was based on new medical documents it received from the hospital which indicated that the woman received doses of different types of medication completely unrelated to tear gas inhalation.
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Abu Rahma, IDF sources said on Saturday, did not actively participate in the demonstration, but was inside a house about 500 meters away from where it was held.
Alon and Brig.-Gen. Motti Elmoz, the head of the Civil Administration, will meet with Palestinian officials on Sunday to present them with the new evidence.
Last Monday, the IDF said it assessed that Abu Rahma had died of medical complications unconnected to tear gas, adding that the medicines she received after being evacuated to the hospital last Friday were used to treat people suffering from cancer, poison or a drug overdose.
The Palestinians had rejected the IDF’s claims, and top PA officials called Abu Rahma a martyr and her death a war crime.
Alon said that the IDF’s assessment was reinforced later last week, after the military received additional documentation proving she did not die of tear gas inhalation.
“Our assessments were proven during the week after receiving additional documentation from the Palestinians,” Alon said. “The documents and data we received show that the type of treatment she received and other medical aspects caused her death.”