DayofPal—Nearly 6,000 Palestinians in Gaza who have lost limbs during Israel’s ongoing war are in urgent need of long-term rehabilitation, the Gaza Health Ministry warned, marking the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
The ministry described the situation of amputees as “shocking,” noting that children account for 25% of all cases, thousands of whom now face permanent disabilities at an early age.
It said countless wounded civilians and their families are enduring “deep humanitarian suffering,” highlighting the immediate need for sustained physical rehabilitation as well as psychological and social support.
Officials urged international bodies to prioritize aid to amputees and expand access to specialized medical care and rehabilitation programs.
The crisis echoes a warning issued in September by Philippe Lazzarini, head of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA), who said Gaza has become home to the highest per-capita number of child amputees worldwide since the war began.
According to the ministry, more than 70,000 people have been killed in Gaza, the majority women and children, and over 171,000 injured since Israel launched its genocide in October 2023.
The bombardment has left the enclave devastated. A ceasefire that took effect on Oct. 10 brought the war to a temporary halt, but humanitarian needs remain overwhelming.
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