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The Gaza Strip has become the epicenter of a
profound child amputee crisis, marking an unprecedented chapter in modern
history. Recent reports from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of
Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reveal that Gaza is home to the largest cohort of
child amputees ever recorded.
The escalation of conflict since October 2023 has led
to devastating consequences for Gaza's children. Save the Children reported
that, on average, more than 10 children per day lost one or both legs in the
initial three months of the conflict. By December 2023, UNICEF estimated that
over 1,000 children had undergone amputations, many performed without anesthesia
due to severe shortages of medical supplies.
The healthcare infrastructure in Gaza is ill-equipped
to handle such a crisis. On January 3, 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO)
reported that 16 of Gaza's 36 hospitals were partially operational, with 20
closed. These shortages have left thousands of injured children without adequate
medical care, rehabilitation, or psychological support.
On March 24, 2025, the Ministry of Health (MoH) in
Gaza released updated statistics indicating that the amputation crisis continues
to escalate. Dr. Munir Al Bursh, the MoH General Director, reported that
amputation cases have reached 4,700, including 850 children. The MoH further
stated that 33,900 children have been injured, representing 30% of total
injuries, emphasizing the severe and widespread impact on Gaza's youth.
International organizations have mobilized to address
the crisis. UNICEF has distributed over 500 wheelchairs to children across Gaza,
aiming to improve mobility and quality of life. However, these efforts only
scratch the surface of the immense needs. The blockade and ongoing conflict
severely limit the entry of materials necessary for manufacturing prosthetic
limbs, further hindering recovery efforts.
The psychological toll on child amputees is profound.
Many face not only physical challenges but also deep emotional scars from the
trauma they've endured. The loss of limbs, coupled with the destruction of homes
and communities, has left countless children struggling with depression,
anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Addressing this crisis requires immediate
international attention, increased humanitarian aid, and sustained efforts to
rebuild Gaza's healthcare infrastructure.
UN: Gaza has largest number of child amputees in modern history (Middle East Monitor, 3-26-25)
Humanitarian Situation Update #275 Gaza Strip (OCHA, 3-25-25)
Gaza’s child amputees struggle with recovery, especially after Israel’s cutoff of aid (AP News, 3-25-25)
WHO/Gaza Hospitals (U.N., 2-4-25)
UNICEF Delivers Wheelchairs for Gaza's Children (UNICEF, 1-22-25)