Geneva, Oct 3 (UNI/SPUTNIK) Approximately 42,000 people in the Gaza Strip have been left disabled as a result of the Israeli military operation, the World Health Organization (WHO) said.
“Nearly 42 000 people in the Gaza Strip have life-changing injuries caused by the ongoing conflict. Life-changing injuries account for one quarter of all reported injuries, of a total of 167 376 people injured since October 2023. Over 5000 people have faced amputation,” the organization said in a statement yesterday.
Other severe injuries are also widespread, including injuries to arms and legs (more than 22,000), spinal cord (more than 2,000), brain (more than 1,300), and extensive burns (more than 3,300), further increasing the need for specialized surgical and rehabilitation services, the statement noted.
“As new injuries mount and health needs rise, the health system teeters on the brink of collapse. Only 14 of Gaza’s 36 hospitals remain partially functional, while less than one-third of pre-conflict rehabilitation services are operating, with several facing imminent closure. None are fully functional despite the efforts of EMTs and health partners,” the statement read.
On October 7, 2023, Israel was subjected to an unprecedented rocket attack from the Gaza Strip. After that, Hamas militants penetrated border areas, opening fire on the military and civilians, and took more than 200 hostages. According to the authorities, about 1,200 people were killed on the Israeli side.
In response, Israel launched Operation Iron Swords and announced a complete blockade of the Gaza Strip: supplies of water, electricity, fuel, food and medicine were stopped.
According to the latest data from the Gaza health ministry, more than 66,100 Palestinians have been killed and more than 168,700 have been injured in the Gaza Strip due to Israeli aggression since October 2023.
