More than 22,500 people have suffered ‘life-changing injuries’ in Gaza: WHO
Including severe limb injuries, amputations, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries and severe burns.
Israeli forces have entered Gaza in response. October 7, 2023 terrorist attack by Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups in southern Israel.
Dr. Richard Peeperkorn, WHO Representatives in the occupied Palestinian territory have stressed that the need for rehabilitation is increasing with the collapse of the entire healthcare infrastructure in Gaza.
“Patients are unable to get the care they need. Acute rehabilitation services are severely disrupted and there is no specialist care for complex injuries.puts the patient’s life at risk. Immediate and long-term support is needed to address the enormous rehabilitation needs.”
Service not available
Services such as wound care, physiotherapy and psychological support are inaccessible or completely unavailable, leaving thousands at risk of further complications, disability or even death.
According to for the United Nations health agency, Only 17 of Gaza’s 36 hospitals remain partially functional.Primary health care and community services are frequently suspended due to insecurity, attacks and ongoing evacuation orders.
Gaza’s only limb rehabilitation and reconstruction center, located in the Nasser Medical Complex and supported by WHO, has been out of service since December 2023 due to lack of supplies and staff, and was further damaged in a raid in February 2024.
In addition, the loss of trained physical therapists due to fighting between Israel and Hamas further hampers rehabilitation efforts.
Buildings were destroyed and severely damaged in Khan Younis.
Thousands more are at risk
The figures are detailed in the WHO analysis. Estimating trauma rehabilitation needs in Gaza using injury data from emergency medical teamsreflects data as of July 23.
In addition to the newly injured, tens of thousands of Palestinians who already suffer from chronic illnesses or disabilities are now at greater risk due to the collapse of vital services, the WHO said.
As fighting continues, WHO stresses the need for safe access to all essential health care services, including rehabilitation, to prevent further suffering.
The statement further called for an immediate ceasefire to facilitate relief operations, rebuild health systems and save lives.
Economic devastation
The ongoing conflict has also devastated Gaza’s already fragile economy.
According to one report announced on Thursday by UN Trade and Development, United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)Strip Gross domestic product (GDP) has fallen by 81 percentpushing the region into an unprecedented economic crisis.
Massive job losses and high unemployment have exacerbated poverty, leaving most families in dire need of humanitarian aid, UNCTAD said. speakand added that the West Bank economy has also been severely disrupted by violence, demolitions, confiscations and settlement expansion.
Calculations are based on quarterly national accounts data from the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics.
“Palestinian Government Financial stability is under great pressure.jeopardizing its ability to operate effectively and provide essential services,” the report noted.
The report calls for urgent intervention by the international community to stabilize the economy, rebuild infrastructure and support lasting peace efforts in the region.
“This includes considering a comprehensive recovery plan for the occupied Palestinian territory, increased international aid and support, release of withheld revenues and lifting of the blockade on Gaza“ .
Experts condemn harassment of journalists
In one News release On Thursday, independent United Nations human rights experts condemned the escalation of violence, harassment and obstruction of journalists in the West Bank since Israel’s military offensive began on August 27.
“We strongly condemn the attacks and harassment of journalists in the illegally occupied West Bank, These are nothing more than the Israeli military’s brutal efforts to suppress independent reporting on potential war crimes.,” the Human Rights Council– designated expert speak.
There were at least three incidents in September involving Israeli security forces firing live ammunition at journalists and their vehicles in Jenin and Tulkarm while they were reporting on military operations and civilian casualties.
Four others were injured, although some were wearing clearly marked press jackets.
Israeli forces also prevented journalists – including the Al Jazeera team – from working, forcing them to delete material and threatening them. At least one journalist was arbitrarily detained and interrogated, while many others reported being chased away by bulldozers driven by Israeli security forces.
Contempt for the press
“It is alarming to see Israeli soldiers in the West Bank showing the same disregard for the safety of journalists as they do in Gaza, in flagrant violation of international law. Foreign media continue to be denied access to Gaza and now their safety in the West Bank is also under serious threat, severely hampering their journalistic work.“, experts said.
As of October 2023, at least 29 journalists have been detained by Israeli forces in the West Bank and three by the Palestinian Authority. Some remain in administrative detention, with documented cases of mistreatment, including sexual and gender-based violence.
The experts added that Israel, as an occupying power, must respect the work and safety of journalists in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, as required by international law. They also noted that they are in contact with the Israeli Government on this issue.
Appointed and mandated by the Geneva-based Human Rights Council, the experts are tasked with monitoring and reporting on specific country or topic situations. Independent of the United Nations, they are not UN staff and are not paid for their work.
