World Health Organization: The war in Gaza leaves 42,000 injured with permanent disabilities, including children

The World Health Organization revealed shocking figures documenting the scale of the humanitarian tragedy in the Gaza Strip after two years of ongoing war, announcing that about 42,000 people, including more than 10,000 children, suffer from permanent injuries causing physical and psychological disabilities, and will need lifelong health and rehabilitation care.

According to a report issued by the UN organization, a quarter of the injured counted since the start of the war on October 7, 2023—out of 167,376 injuries—suffer from permanent disabilities, including more than 5,000 people who underwent amputations of one of their limbs.

The catastrophic health reality in Gaza is clearly reflected in the nature of the injuries, as recorded:

_ More than 22,000 limb injuries

_ 2,000 spinal cord injuries

_ 1,300 traumatic brain injuries

_ 3,300 severe burns

The report confirmed that these injuries impose a tremendous burden on the specialized surgical sector and rehabilitation services, leading to radical changes in the lives of the injured and their families.

Richard Peeperkorn, the World Health Organization representative in the Palestinian territories, said during a press conference:

"The health reality in Gaza is catastrophic... lifelong rehabilitation will be necessary for these injured. However, the health system has been exhausted and is no longer able to respond to the enormous needs."

Of the 36 hospitals that were operational before the war, only 14 are still partially functioning, while rehabilitation services have shrunk to a third of what they were before the war, and no service is operating at full capacity.

Before the war, the sector included:

• 1,300 massage therapists

• 400 occupational therapists

• A limited number of prosthetic specialists

However, the organization pointed out that many of these have been displaced or killed, including at least 42 specialists.

Today, only 8 prosthetic specialists remain, facing tremendous pressure amid thousands of amputation cases.

Physical injuries are not the only challenge, as Peeperkorn noted that:

"The psychological trauma suffered by the injured—due to the loss of relatives and the hardships of daily life—exacerbates the situation. However, psychological support services remain scarce and almost nonexistent."

In light of this reality, the World Health Organization called for:

_ An immediate ceasefire

_ Urgent support for healthcare services

_ Protection of health facilities from targeting

_ Ensuring the unobstructed access of fuel and medical supplies

_ Lifting restrictions on the entry of essential materials into Gaza.

"The people of Gaza deserve peace, the right to health, and a real opportunity for recovery."