Over 42,000 People Permanently Disabled in Gaza Due to Israeli Attacks, WHO Reports

More than 42,000 people in the Gaza Strip have been permanently disabled over the past two years as a result of Israeli attacks, with one in every four victims being a child, according to a new report by the World Health Organization (WHO).

The report highlights that at least 5,000 individuals in Gaza have lost limbs, many due to lack of timely surgical care. Over 22,000 have suffered severe injuries to their arms or legs, more than 2,000 have spinal cord damage, and 1,300 face serious brain injury complications.

In addition, over 3,300 people have been severely burned, with many suffering from complex facial and eye injuries that not only cause physical pain but also lead to significant social challenges.

WHO emphasized that Gaza’s healthcare system is on the brink of collapse. Of the 36 hospitals, only 14 remain partially operational, and rehabilitation services are functioning at just one-third of pre-war capacity.

A major concern is the severe shortage of specialists in prosthetics, with only eight experts available to serve thousands of amputees. The conflict has also claimed the lives of at least 42 specialist doctors as of September, decimating Gaza’s rehabilitation workforce.

Richard Peppercorn, WHO’s representative in the Palestinian territories, stressed the urgent need for rehabilitation services not only for war casualties but also for those with chronic illnesses and disabilities. He warned that displacement, malnutrition, and lack of mental health support are exacerbating the crisis.

The WHO report calls for an immediate ceasefire and demands unrestricted access for medical supplies and protection of healthcare facilities. The organization affirmed that the people of Gaza deserve peace, health rights, and access to medical care.