WHO – World Health Organization – recently revealed the severe toll of the ongoing Gaza-Israel conflict, with over 22,500 individuals suffering from life-altering injuries.
These injuries, sustained during the continued fighting between Israel and Hamas, highlight the devastating impact on Gaza’s civilian population and the burden placed on its already crippled healthcare system.
The conflict, marked by frequent escalations, has resulted in widespread destruction and significant loss of life.
The Gaza-Israel Conflict and Its Impact on Civilians
The Gaza-Israel conflict has been a long-standing and deeply rooted struggle, with its origins tracing back to the broader Israeli-Palestinian issue. Gaza, a narrow strip of land bordering Israel and Egypt, has been governed by Hamas since 2007.
Tensions between Israel and Hamas have led to numerous violent confrontations, often resulting in significant civilian casualties. The most recent flare-up in 2024 has been particularly deadly, with civilians in Gaza bearing the brunt of the violence.
One of the key reasons for the high civilian toll is Gaza’s densely populated environment, where airstrikes, artillery, and other military actions often result in widespread damage. Residential areas, schools, hospitals, and markets have all been targets of attacks, leaving thousands of people injured.
WHO Reports :
According to the WHO report, these injuries are not limited to minor wounds but include severe trauma that will permanently alter the lives of those affected.
A striking aspect of the WHO’s findings is that out of the thousands injured, at least 22,500 individuals have suffered life-changing injuries. These injuries range from severe limb damage to spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and burns.
For many of these victims, the path to recovery is long and uncertain, as Gaza’s health services are ill-equipped to handle the scale of the crisis.
The Overwhelming Rehabilitation Needs
The WHO report highlights the overwhelming demand for rehabilitation services in Gaza, with severe limb injuries being the most common type of injury. An estimated 13,455 to 17,550 people have sustained such injuries, many of which will require long-term rehabilitation and, in some cases, prosthetics.
The report also notes that around 4,000 individuals have undergone amputations, further compounding the need for specialized rehabilitation care.
Richard Peeperkorn, the WHO representative in the occupied Palestinian territory, warned of the immense strain these injuries are placing on Gaza’s healthcare system.
Read : Israel-Palestine Conflict: From 1948 to 2024
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“The huge surge in rehabilitation needs occurs in parallel with the ongoing decimation of the health system,” he stated, emphasizing that Gaza’s healthcare infrastructure is unable to meet the increasing demand for acute rehabilitation services.
This shortage is particularly concerning given the complex nature of many of the injuries, which require specialized treatment and long-term care.
The situation is further complicated by the lack of medical supplies and equipment. The blockade on Gaza, which has severely restricted the import of essential goods, has made it difficult for healthcare facilities to obtain the necessary resources to treat patients.
Prosthetics, for example, are in short supply, leaving many amputees without the tools they need to regain their mobility. Physical therapy services, which are critical for individuals with severe limb injuries, are also limited due to a lack of trained professionals and facilities.
In addition to physical injuries, the report highlights the rising number of spinal cord injuries and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). These injuries are particularly devastating as they often result in permanent disability, requiring lifelong care and rehabilitation.
Spinal cord injuries can lead to paralysis, significantly affecting an individual’s ability to perform basic tasks. For those who survive TBIs, the impact can be equally severe, leading to cognitive, emotional, and physical impairments.
The Humanitarian Crisis and the Role of International Aid
The WHO report paints a bleak picture of the current state of healthcare in Gaza, but it also calls for urgent international assistance to help address the growing rehabilitation needs.
The ongoing conflict has decimated Gaza’s health infrastructure, leaving hospitals and clinics struggling to cope with the influx of patients. Without immediate intervention, the situation is likely to deteriorate further, leading to even more suffering and loss of life.
International aid organizations and governments must step up their efforts to provide the necessary medical supplies, prosthetics, and rehabilitation services to those in need.
The WHO has urged for increased access to essential healthcare, emphasizing the importance of providing rehabilitation services to prevent further illness and fatalities. This includes not only physical rehabilitation but also psychological support for individuals dealing with the trauma of war.
Women and children, who are among the most vulnerable in the conflict, are particularly in need of assistance. Many of the injured are children, whose developing bodies are especially vulnerable to the long-term effects of trauma.
The psychological impact of witnessing violence and suffering severe injuries is also profound, with many children experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental health issues. Ensuring that these children receive the necessary psychological support is crucial to their long-term recovery.
The lack of mental health services in Gaza is another area of concern highlighted by the WHO. While the focus has understandably been on addressing physical injuries, the psychological toll of the conflict cannot be ignored.
Many of the injured individuals are not only dealing with the pain and suffering caused by their injuries but also the emotional trauma of living in a war zone. For children and adults alike, access to mental health services is essential for coping with the psychological scars of the conflict.
The international community has a crucial role to play in addressing this humanitarian crisis. The WHO report calls for increased funding and resources to support Gaza’s healthcare system, with a particular emphasis on rehabilitation services.
Without such support, thousands of individuals will be left without the care they need to recover from their injuries, leading to a further deterioration of the already dire situation in Gaza.
In conclusion, the WHO report sheds light on the devastating impact of the Gaza-Israel conflict on civilians, particularly those who have sustained life-changing injuries. The scale of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is immense, with over 22,500 individuals requiring long-term rehabilitation and medical care.
As the conflict continues, the need for international aid and support becomes ever more urgent. Addressing the rehabilitation needs of those injured in the conflict is not only a matter of providing physical care but also ensuring that individuals receive the psychological support necessary to cope with the trauma of war.
The international community must act swiftly to provide the necessary resources to alleviate the suffering of the people of Gaza.
let’s enjoy few years on earth with peace and happiness….✍🏼🙏