Among the most alarming findings is that one in four of those injured are children, highlighting the disproportionate impact on Gaza’s youngest and most vulnerable population. The injuries documented are severe and complex, with the WHO reporting that at least 5,000 individuals have undergone amputations due to the violence. Beyond amputations, the report details over 22,000 injuries to arms and legs, more than 2,000 spinal cord injuries, 1,300 brain injuries, and over 3,300 cases of major burns. These injuries, often requiring extensive medical intervention and long-term rehabilitation, have overwhelmed Gaza’s dwindling healthcare resources. Additionally, the report highlights a rise in complex facial and eye injuries, particularly among those awaiting medical evacuation, which contribute to both physical disability and social stigma. These injuries not only impair physical function but also carry profound psychological and social consequences, further compounding the suffering of those affected.
The collapse of Gaza’s healthcare system is a central concern raised by the WHO. Of the 36 hospitals that existed prior to the conflict, only 14 remain partially functional, a stark reduction that severely limits access to critical care. Rehabilitation services, essential for helping individuals recover from traumatic injuries and manage chronic conditions, are operating at less than one-third of their pre-war capacity. The scarcity of specialized care is particularly acute for amputees, with only eight prosthetists available in the entire region to produce and fit artificial limbs. This dire shortage of skilled professionals and resources means that thousands of individuals are left without the support they need to regain mobility and independence.
The rehabilitation workforce, critical to addressing the needs of the injured, has been decimated by the conflict. As of September 2024, at least 42 rehabilitation specialists have been killed, further eroding Gaza’s capacity to provide essential care. The loss of these professionals, combined with the destruction of medical infrastructure, has created a vicious cycle where the demand for care far outstrips the available resources. The WHO emphasizes that rehabilitation is not only crucial for those recovering from trauma but also for individuals with pre-existing chronic conditions and disabilities, who are now at even greater risk due to the lack of services.
Richard Peeperkorn, the WHO representative in the occupied Palestinian territory, underscored the critical role of rehabilitation in addressing the crisis. “Rehabilitation is vital not only for trauma recovery but also for people with chronic conditions and disabilities,” he stated. However, the challenges extend beyond the healthcare system itself. The ongoing conflict has led to widespread displacement, with many families forced to flee their homes, disrupting access to medical care and exacerbating health issues. Malnutrition, driven by food insecurity and limited access to clean water, has further weakened the population, making recovery from injuries even more difficult. The lack of psychosocial support is another critical gap, as survivors grapple with the psychological toll of their injuries, the loss of loved ones, and the constant threat of violence. These compounding factors have created a humanitarian crisis of unprecedented scale, with long-term implications for the health and well-being of Gaza’s population.
The WHO’s report calls for immediate and decisive action to address the crisis. It urges the international community to prioritize the protection of Gaza’s healthcare system, which is on the brink of total collapse. This includes ensuring the safety of medical personnel and facilities, which have been repeatedly targeted during the conflict. The report also emphasizes the need for unrestricted access to medical supplies, which are critically needed to treat the injured and prevent further deterioration of public health. Without a steady supply of medicines, equipment, and other essentials, hospitals and clinics cannot function effectively, leaving thousands without care.
Perhaps most urgently, the WHO is calling for an immediate ceasefire to halt the violence and create space for humanitarian efforts to take hold. A ceasefire would not only save lives by reducing the number of new injuries but also allow aid organizations to deliver critical supplies and services to those in need. The agency’s plea is rooted in a broader call for peace and the recognition of the fundamental right to health. “The people of Gaza deserve peace, the right to health and care, and a chance to heal,” the WHO stated, encapsulating the dire need for both immediate relief and long-term solutions.
The scale of the crisis in Gaza demands a coordinated global response. The international community must act swiftly to address the immediate needs of the injured while also laying the groundwork for rebuilding Gaza’s healthcare system. This includes investing in training and deploying additional healthcare workers, particularly rehabilitation specialists, to address the massive shortfall in expertise. Rebuilding hospitals and clinics, many of which have been damaged or destroyed, will require significant funding and logistical support. Ensuring a steady supply of prosthetics, mobility aids, and other rehabilitation equipment is also critical to helping amputees and others with severe injuries regain their independence.
Moreover, the psychological toll of the conflict cannot be overlooked. The WHO’s report highlights the lack of psychosocial support as a major barrier to recovery, particularly for children who have experienced profound trauma. Mental health services must be integrated into the broader humanitarian response, with a focus on providing counseling and community-based support to help individuals cope with the emotional scars of the conflict.
The situation in Gaza is a stark reminder of the devastating impact of prolonged conflict on civilian populations. The injuries sustained since October 7, 2023, are not just physical wounds but also a reflection of the broader destruction of lives, livelihoods, and hope. The WHO’s report serves as both a warning and a call to action, urging the world to recognize the humanity of those affected and to take concrete steps to alleviate their suffering. Without immediate intervention, the crisis will only deepen, leaving tens of thousands of people—many of them children—without the care they need to heal and rebuild their lives.
In conclusion, the WHO’s report on the health crisis in Gaza paints a harrowing picture of a population in desperate need. With nearly 42,000 life-changing injuries, a collapsing healthcare system, and a decimated rehabilitation workforce, the challenges are immense. The international community must heed the WHO’s call for urgent action, including protecting healthcare infrastructure, ensuring access to medical supplies, and advocating for an immediate ceasefire. Only through a concerted and compassionate response can the people of Gaza begin to heal from the physical and emotional wounds of this devastating conflict. The right to health, peace, and a chance to recover must be upheld, not just as an aspiration but as a fundamental priority for the global community
