The conflict between Israeli forces and Palestinian armed groups in Gaza has resulted in a humanitarian crisis that is devastating the region. Severe limb injuries, amputations, spinal cord trauma, traumatic brain injuries, and major burns are just some of the consequences of the violence that has engulfed the area.
The escalation of violence was triggered by the terror attacks carried out by Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups in southern Israel on October 7, 2023. In response, Israeli forces pushed into Gaza, leading to widespread destruction and casualties. Dr. Richard Peeperkorn, the WHO Representative in the occupied Palestinian territory, has emphasized the urgent need for rehabilitation services in Gaza.
The collapse of Gaza’s healthcare infrastructure has made it difficult for patients to access the care they need. Acute rehabilitation services are severely disrupted, and specialized care for complex injuries is not readily available, putting patients’ lives at risk. The surge in rehabilitation needs is overwhelming the already strained healthcare system in Gaza, and immediate support is crucial to address these challenges.
Wound care, physical therapy, and psychological support services are either inaccessible or entirely unavailable in Gaza, leaving thousands of individuals at risk of further complications, disabilities, or even death. The UN health agency has reported that only 17 out of Gaza’s 36 hospitals are partially functional, and primary healthcare and community-level services are frequently suspended due to insecurity and attacks.
One of the critical facilities affected by the conflict is Gaza’s only limb reconstruction and rehabilitation center, located in the Nasser Medical Complex. Supported by WHO, the center has been non-functional since December 2023 due to a lack of supplies and staff. Additionally, the center was further damaged in a raid in February 2024, exacerbating the already dire situation.
The loss of trained physiotherapists due to the ongoing fighting between Israel and Hamas has further hampered rehabilitation efforts in Gaza. The lack of essential medical supplies, staff shortages, and damaged infrastructure have created significant challenges for providing rehabilitation services to those in need.
WHO’s analysis, titled “Estimating Trauma Rehabilitation Needs in Gaza using Injury Data from Emergency Medical Teams,” highlights the growing number of individuals in Gaza who require rehabilitation services. Beyond the newly injured, tens of thousands of Palestinians with chronic conditions or impairments are now at heightened risk due to the collapse of critical services in the region.
As the conflict continues, WHO has underscored the importance of safe access to essential health services, including rehabilitation, to prevent further suffering among the population. The organization has called for an immediate ceasefire to facilitate humanitarian aid, rebuild the health system, and save lives in Gaza.
In addition to the healthcare crisis, the conflict has also had a devastating impact on Gaza’s economy. According to a report published by UNCTAD, the Strip’s gross domestic product (GDP) has plummeted by 81%, pushing the region into an unprecedented economic crisis. The massive job losses and soaring unemployment rates have worsened poverty levels, leaving most families in dire need of humanitarian assistance.
The economic devastation in Gaza has been further exacerbated by violence, demolitions, confiscations, and settlement expansions in the West Bank. The ongoing conflict has disrupted the economy of the entire region, leaving communities struggling to survive amidst the chaos and destruction.
It is clear that urgent action is needed to address the humanitarian and economic crises in Gaza. International support and cooperation are essential to provide the necessary resources for rehabilitation services, healthcare infrastructure, and economic recovery in the region. Without immediate intervention, the situation in Gaza will continue to deteriorate, leading to further suffering and loss of life among the civilian population.
