Intl. Day of Persons with Disabilities: Disabled Gazans living a nightmare as genocide rages

As the world marks the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the plight of disabled people in Gaza has become increasingly dire, with the number of affected individuals rising daily as a result of the ongoing war.

The United Nations has reported a troubling surge in the number of disabled individuals in Gaza as a result of the ongoing war, with many civilians, including children, having suffered life-altering injuries due to military actions that have not only targeted neighborhoods but have also devastated healthcare facilities.

As a result, "Gaza now has the highest number of children amputees per capita anywhere in the world — many losing limbs and undergoing surgeries without even anesthesia," according to UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres.

The remarks by the UN chief were read out on his behalf at a Cairo conference aimed at increasing humanitarian aid.

UN chief warns of alarming amputation rates among Gaza children

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres says Gaza now has “the highest number of children amputees per capita anywhere in the world.”

The healthcare system in Gaza, already fragile before the war, has been further crippled by the destruction of hospitals and clinics. This has left countless individuals, especially children, with disabilities, without critical medical care, rehabilitation services, and access to necessary assistive devices like wheelchairs and prosthetics.

Before the war escalated, nearly 100,000 children in Gaza had disabilities. The current violence has resulted in thousands more acquiring permanent disabilities, with Save the Children international charity estimating that more than ten children lose at least one limb every day.

Save the Children: More than 10 children a day lose a limb in Gaza

Since 7 October, more than 1,000 children have had one or both legs amputated in Gaza.

The chaos and destruction have forced many disabled individuals to remain in their homes, facing not only physical limitations but also the psychological trauma of the war, as many find themselves unable to flee from peril or obtain essential supplies like food and medicine.

Fatima, a mother of three who recently became disabled after a bombing destroyed her home, expressed deep concern for her children's future. “Every day is a battle for survival,” she said. “The world seems to have forgotten us.” Her words echo the sentiments of many in Gaza who feel abandoned in their time of need.

The broader humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where over 2.3 million have been displaced, further complicates the situation. These displacements often occur with little warning, making it exceedingly difficult for individuals with mobility impairments or sensory disabilities to evacuate safely.

Some of the challenges include struggle to escape danger without the ability to hear or see the surrounding turmoil, or the difficulty of maneuvering through destroyed streets in a wheelchair after being uprooted from their homes, potentially losing essential mobility aids buried under debris.

The blockade of Gaza has severely restricted the entry of necessary supplies, leaving many disabled individuals without food, clean water, or medical care. The lack of resources has forced families to make difficult choices, often prioritizing basic survival over specialized care.

The Israeli regime’s bloody onslaught on Gaza has so far killed at least 44,466 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and injured more than 105,358 others. Thousands more are also missing and presumed dead under rubble.

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