Comments for RN Feature: Under Threat - International Humanitarian Law

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This piece belongs to the series "RN Focus on Torn Lives - Stories from the Holy Land"

Produced by Eric Beauchemin

Other pieces by Radio Netherlands Worldwide

Summary: Palestinian ambulances and medical personnel throughout the occupied territories are being stopped every day at Israeli checkpoints in violation of international humanitarian law. (14:58)
 

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Review of RN Feature: Under Threat - International Humanitarian Law

The piece starts off with an excellent scene that hooks you right in. The reporter is in an ambulance with a Palestinian woman about to deliver as she nears an Israeli checkpoint. Women in the occupied territories suffer such anxiety before delivering—about whether they will make it past the checkpoint to a hospital—that many of them are opting for cesareans in order to pinpoint the exact time of the birth. The story zeroes in on one particular disturbing phenomenon within the greater context of a society driven to a state of constant fear and paranoia. Dealing with the fear of terror attacks—in the form of ambulances or the stranger on the bus beside you—has put humanitarian law in jeopardy. Beauchemin gives you insight into the lives of the victims affected by the absence of these laws. Would be a nice addition to your Middle East coverage.