In light of the ongoing Israeli aggression on Gaza Strip, persons with disabilities suffer from catastrophic humanitarian conditions, exacerbated by the widespread destruction of infrastructure and basic services and their exposure to tragic displacement conditions in addition to the difficult psychological trauma they are exposed to.

More than 26,000 injured persons during the Israeli aggression suffered from life-changing injuries.

According to a report issued on July 30^th, 2024 by the World Health Organization, where it conducted an analysis of the types of injuries caused by the Israeli aggression, and used daily reports issued by Emergency Medical Teams (EMT) data from January 10 to May 16, 2024 to estimate the number of serious injuries requiring continuous care and rehabilitation in Gaza Strip. Accordingly, the number of serious life-changing injuries requiring continuous rehabilitation was estimated at about 25% of the total number of injuries, i.e. no less than 26,140 people as of November 24^th, 2024. These cases include between 13,455 and 17,550 severe limb injuries, in addition to 3,105 - 4,050 amputations, mostly of the lower limbs. In addition, the same report estimates about 2,000 major head and spinal cord injuries, and the number of burn injuries is estimated to be over 2,000. Spinal cord injuries and burns require immediate treatment and rehabilitation to prevent long-term effects, which may result in permanent disabilities[1].

About 10 children have limbs amputated every day

The Israeli aggression casted a catastrophic impact on children in Gaza Strip, in the form of serious physical injuries that leave long-term effects on their health and lives. They may require repeated surgeries and expensive medical treatments, and the injuries may lead to permanent disability. Reports issued by the Ministry of Health indicated that 70% of the total number of wounded (104,567), until 24/11/2024, are children and women. According to a report issued by Save the Children and quoted from UNICEF in January 2024, more than 1,000 children have had their limbs amputated, an average of more than 10 children per day during the first three months of the aggression[2].

 Destruction of the health sector doubles the suffering

 The conditions of the injured persons have been exacerbated by the systematic destruction of hospitals and rehabilitation centers, in addition to the strict restrictions imposed on the evacuation of patients and the limited entry of assistive devices such as wheelchairs, crutches, and hearing aids, and the severe shortage of medical supplies and basic consumables. This systematic attack on health facilities and medical personnel has limited the health system’s ability to provide essential treatment to the injured persons, especially those with serious injuries such as spinal cord injuries and burns, which require immediate treatment and intensive rehabilitation to prevent long-term effects. Amidst this destruction, access to basic treatments and specialized services has become almost impossible, contributing to the deterioration of their health conditions and putting their lives at grave risk. Currently, only 17 out of 36 hospitals remain partially operational, while primary healthcare is often suspended or inaccessible due to insecurity, attacks and repeated evacuation orders. The only limb reconstruction and rehabilitation center in Nasser Medical Complex has been out of service since December 2023 due to the shortage of supplies and the displacement of specialized health workers, and was later destroyed after the Israeli attack on the hospital in February 2024. The Ministry of Health reports as of 23/11/2024 indicate that more than 1,000 health workers and specialists have been martyred, and a previous report issued in May indicated that 39 physiotherapists were martyred.