Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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October 2, 2025 Humanitarian aid
As a result of the ongoing conflict, nearly 42,000 people in Gaza have suffered injuries that can lead to serious life-threatening consequences for years to come, according to a new report from the World Health Organization (WHO). According to the organization, one in four of those affected by such injuries is a child.
Since October 2023, the total number of injured has exceeded 167,000 people, a quarter of whom sustained injuries that require long-term treatment and will require support in their daily lives. More than 5,000 people have undergone amputations.
Severe injuries include more than 22,000 arm and leg wounds, over 2,000 spinal cord injuries, over 1,300 traumatic brain injuries, and over 3,300 cases of severe burns. All of these require specialized surgical and rehabilitative care and have a significant impact on the lives of patients and their families.
The WHO report also highlights the prevalence of complex facial and eye injuries, particularly among patients awaiting medical evacuation outside of Gaza. Such injuries often lead to disability and social stigma.
The healthcare system is on the brink of collapse.
The analysis is based on data from 22 WHO-supported emergency medical teams, as well as information from the Gaza Ministry of Health and partner organizations.
Today, only 14 of the 36 hospitals in the enclave are functioning, and none of them are fully operational. Less than a third of the rehabilitation services that existed before the war are operational, and many are on the verge of closure.
"Health and humanitarian workers, including WHO staff, are on the ground in extreme and dangerous conflict conditions, with minimal food, transport, and fuel. Some have paid the ultimate price," WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said today during a briefing on global health issues.
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Thousands of patients in Gaza, including malnourished children, need to be evacuated.
Before the escalation, approximately 1,300 physical therapists and 400 occupational therapists worked in the enclave, but many were forced to flee their homes. At least 42 specialists had died by September 2024. On Thursday alone, according to reports, another attack killed one rehabilitation therapist and wounded another. Two other medical workers were also injured.
Yet, in Gaza, there are only eight prosthetists who can make and fit artificial limbs, while the number of amputations runs into the thousands.
Psychological trauma
“Rehabilitation is needed not only for those recovering from injuries, but also for people with chronic illnesses and disabilities, whose needs are not included in this report,” said Richard Pieperkorn, WHO Representative in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
He stressed that displacement, malnutrition, disease and lack of support make the rehabilitation needs in Gaza even greater than statistics indicate.
"Conflict-related trauma also takes a toll on mental health. People suffer injuries, losses, and are forced to struggle for survival, while psychosocial support remains extremely limited. Rehabilitation services must be complemented by the development of mental health programs," added Pieperkorn.
"The best medicine is peace"
Despite enormous challenges, WHO, emergency medical teams, and partner agencies continue to provide assistance on the ground. However, to expand access to rehabilitation and other services, it is essential to protect medical facilities, ensure unimpeded access to fuel and medicine, and lift restrictions on the import of essential medical supplies, including prosthetics and assistive devices.
The WHO reiterated that an immediate ceasefire is essential. According to the head of the organization, the best medicine is peace.
"Two years of conflict have brought nothing but death, destruction, disease, and despair. Peace is the bravest solution, so I call on all parties to this conflict to choose it now," Ghebreyesus said.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
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