Over 22,500 in Gaza suffer life-altering injuries: WHO.
The report highlighted the overwhelming strain on Gaza’s already fragile healthcare system, which has been severely weakened by years of conflict, blockades, and limited resources. With over 22,500 people now facing life-changing injuries, the demand for medical care has skyrocketed, far exceeding the system’s capacity to respond adequately. Hospitals are running low on essential supplies, medical equipment, and staff, leaving many without the critical care they urgently need. The situation is compounded by frequent power shortages, damaged infrastructure, and restrictions on the import of medical goods, further crippling the healthcare system’s ability to meet rising needs.
The ongoing conflict in Gaza has not only taken a significant toll on lives but has also left thousands of people facing life-altering injuries that will require extensive and long-term medical rehabilitation. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), as of July 23, at least 22,500 individuals, accounting for about a quarter of those injured in the ongoing conflict, are dealing with injuries that will necessitate comprehensive rehabilitation efforts. This represents a humanitarian crisis that places an overwhelming burden on Gaza’s healthcare system, which has already been severely compromised by years of conflict, blockades, and infrastructural damage.
The WHO report, published on Thursday, highlights the immense challenges that Gaza’s health system is grappling with. The report underscores that severe limb injuries constitute the most significant portion of rehabilitation needs, estimating that between 13,455 and 17,550 individuals are suffering from debilitating limb injuries. Such injuries often result in long-term disability, requiring specialized medical care, prosthetics, and ongoing rehabilitation. Xinhua news agency reported that these injuries are compounded by approximately 4,000 amputations, adding to the severity of the situation.
The surge in rehabilitation needs is further exacerbated by a sharp increase in spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and severe burns. These injuries often demand highly specialized care, which Gaza’s healthcare infrastructure is struggling to provide. Women and children are among the hardest hit, with many cases involving these vulnerable groups. The report makes it clear that without immediate international support, thousands of people may be left without the care they need, leading to long-term disability and further suffering.
Richard Peeperkorn, WHO’s representative in the occupied Palestinian territory, issued a stark warning regarding the current state of Gaza’s health infrastructure. He emphasized that the health system is on the brink of collapse and is unable to cope with the increasing demands. Peeperkorn pointed out that acute rehabilitation services, including those for people with complex injuries, are in critically short supply. This shortage of services means that many patients who require immediate and specialized medical care are unable to access it.
Gaza’s health system has been weakened by years of conflict, and the ongoing hostilities have further strained its already limited capacity. Hospitals and clinics are struggling to function, with many facilities lacking essential medical supplies, equipment, and personnel. Frequent power outages, damaged infrastructure, and restrictions on the import of critical medical goods have compounded the difficulties facing healthcare providers. The lack of specialized medical services, including prosthetics, orthopedics, and physical therapy, has left many patients without the necessary tools for recovery and rehabilitation.
The WHO report also highlights the broader humanitarian impact of the conflict on Gaza’s healthcare system. The destruction of hospitals and clinics, as well as the loss of healthcare workers, has had a profound effect on the availability of services. The shortage of medical supplies, including pain medication, antibiotics, and surgical equipment, has left many patients vulnerable to infection and other complications. Additionally, the destruction of transportation infrastructure has made it difficult for patients to access the few healthcare facilities that remain operational.
In response to the escalating crisis, WHO has called for immediate international assistance to help bolster Gaza’s healthcare system. The organization is urging donors and international organizations to provide financial support, medical supplies, and technical expertise to help meet the growing demand for rehabilitation services. WHO has also emphasized the need for increased access to healthcare for all individuals affected by the conflict, including those with long-term rehabilitation needs.
The Geneva-based health agency stressed that without timely and adequate intervention, the situation could worsen, leading to more preventable deaths and long-term disabilities. Ensuring access to essential healthcare services, including rehabilitation, is crucial to preventing further illness and fatalities. The health of those injured in the conflict will depend largely on the ability of the international community to provide immediate and sustained support to Gaza’s healthcare system.
As the conflict in Gaza continues with no clear end in sight, the toll on the civilian population is growing. Thousands of people who have been injured face an uncertain future, with many at risk of permanent disability without access to proper medical care. The WHO’s report paints a bleak picture of the situation on the ground, highlighting the urgent need for international solidarity and intervention to prevent further suffering. In the face of these challenges, the global community’s response will play a critical role in determining the outcome for thousands of individuals whose lives have been upended by the conflict.
The report concludes by emphasizing the critical role that healthcare and rehabilitation services play in mitigating the long-term impacts of conflict. For those affected by the violence, the path to recovery will be long and arduous, and the availability of timely and appropriate medical care will make all the difference in their quality of life moving forward.