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IDPs against backdrop of destroyed building, Beit Lahiya,north Gaza. Photo by LR, 10 Sep 2014.IDP tents on the site of residential destruction,Gaza City. Photo by HPH, 8 Sep 2014.5.4 Evacuation of Israeli soldiers during the warThe team interviewed two doctors in the Israeli army, 132 who served together in areserve unit on the Israeli side of the border, responsible for evacuation of woundedIsraeli soldiers to hospitals in Israel.They explained that there are 4-6 medical doctors in units of 3000-4000 men. Since2006, the IDF implemented a policy of ‘scoop and carry’ rather than treat in the field,if the hospital option was close and if the patient’s airway and breathing were secure.They connect by radio or phone with the field and with hospitals and transport; thesoldiers are evacuated to the border and then the doctors and their units move theminto different ambulances for transport into Israel by the fastest route. 133 Helicopterrescue is also possible; the field unit usually decides about evacuation plans andinteracts with different hospitals.There were 5-6 mass casualty incidents in this war; twice they had more than 15wounded soldiers at the same time having to be moved very quickly.They explained that another set of units and physicians evacuated hundreds ofprisoners of war (POWs) from this conflict, who were first treated in military fieldhospitals if needed, but they stated that most were not wounded; they were thensent to Israel by vehicle and helicopter. Occasionally, a wounded Palestinian civilianwould come to the border where the Israeli doctors would take treat and evacuatehim out if possible, but this was very rare.According to these reservists, when interviewed some weeks after the ceasefire,132Interview held on 7 Sep 2014 by JL, with M, a Lt Colonel in Reserves; and F, officer in IDF reserves.133Although all land crossings into Gaza except Erez Crossing have been closed to Palestinians for several years, they areavailable to the Israeli military.63