The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported that at least 22,500 people—approximately a quarter of those injured in the Gaza conflict as of July 23—are facing life-changing injuries that will necessitate long-term rehabilitation.
The WHO’s report, released on Thursday, highlighted the severe strain on Gaza’s already fragile healthcare system. The report noted that severe limb injuries are the primary cause of the urgent rehabilitation needs, affecting an estimated 13,455 to 17,550 individuals.
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The situation is further exacerbated by around 4,000 amputations, alongside a sharp increase in spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and severe burns. Many of those affected are women and children, according to Xinhua news agency.
Richard Peeperkorn, WHO representative in the occupied Palestinian territory, warned that Gaza’s healthcare infrastructure is struggling to cope with the rising demand. “The significant increase in rehabilitation needs coincides with the ongoing devastation of the health system,” Peeperkorn said. He emphasized the critical shortage of acute rehabilitation services and specialized care for complex injuries.
As the conflict persists, the WHO stressed the importance of maintaining access to essential healthcare services, including rehabilitation, to prevent further illness and fatalities.
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