WHO: Tens of thousands in Gaza suffer lfe-changing injuries

The World Health Organization (WHO) has estimated that around 43,000 people in the Gaza Strip have suffered severe, life-altering injuries as a result of Israeli strikes since October 2023.

According to WHO spokesperson in Gaza, Reinhilde van de Weerdt, a significant proportion of those injured are children and adolescents, accounting for roughly one quarter of the total cases, Caliber.Az reports via the WHO report.

The report indicates that about half of the 43,000 severely injured individuals sustained serious limb damage, while more than 5,000 underwent amputations. In addition, over 2,000 people suffered spinal cord injuries, more than 3,400 sustained severe burns, and over 1,300 experienced traumatic brain injuries. Overall, the total number of injured people in the territory, including those with minor and moderate wounds, is estimated at approximately 172,000.

The WHO highlighted that Gaza’s rehabilitation system is currently unable to cope with the scale of medical needs. It noted that as of mid-April, 18 shipments of essential medical and rehabilitation supplies remain held at customs, with some delays lasting more than a year. These include wheelchairs, prosthetics, and other rehabilitation equipment.

The organisation has urged the acceleration of humanitarian deliveries and the removal of restrictions on medical imports, stressing the need for both emergency care and long-term rehabilitation support for the affected population.

The conflict began following the 7 October 2023 attack on Israel by Hamas, which Israeli authorities say killed around 1,200 people and resulted in more than 250 hostages being taken. Israel states its ongoing military operations are aimed at dismantling Hamas.

Health authorities in Gaza report that more than 72,700 people have been killed since the start of the hostilities.

By Sabina Mammadli