Nearly 42,000 people in the Gaza Strip have suffered life-changing injuries due to the ongoing conflict since October 2023, according to the latest World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates.
The figure represents one-quarter of all reported injuries, which amount to 167,376. Over 5,000 people have faced amputation.
Other severe injuries, including those to the arms and legs (more than 22,000), the spinal cord (over 2,000), the brain (more than 1,300), and major burns (more than 3,300), are also widespread, further increasing the need for specialised surgical and rehabilitation services.
The report also highlighted the prevalence of complex facial and eye injuries, especially among patients listed for medical evacuation outside Gaza, conditions often leading to disfigurement, disability, and social stigma.
The updated analysis draws on data from 22 Emergency Medical Teams (EMTs) supported by WHO, Gaza’s Health Ministry, and key health partners, providing a more comprehensive picture of rehabilitation needs as a result of severe trauma injuries.
WHO said 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 conflict has also devastated the rehabilitation workforce.
The report stated that Gaza once had around 1,300 physiotherapists and 400 occupational therapists, but many have been displaced, and at least 42 were killed as of September 2024.
Those providing care are also experiencing extreme stress and suffering. Despite the high number of amputations, Gaza has only eight prosthetists to manufacture and fit artificial limbs.
The report added one rehabilitation health worker was reportedly killed and one injured yesterday, along with two other health workers in the same attack.
“Rehabilitation is vital not only for trauma recovery but also for people with chronic conditions and disabilities, which are not reflected in this report,” said Dr Richard Peeperkorn, WHO representative in the occupied Palestinian territory.
“Displacement, malnutrition, disease, and the lack of assistive products mean that the true rehabilitation burden in Gaza is far greater than the figures presented here.”
Dr. Peeperkorn said conflict-related injuries impose a severe mental health toll, as survivors contend with trauma, loss, and daily survival, while psychosocial services remain scarce. Mental health and psychosocial support must be integrated and scaled up alongside rehabilitation.
WHO, EMTs, and other health partners remain on the ground, working to meet urgent health needs.
But to ensure access to care and scale up services, including rehabilitation, the report highlights that there must be urgent protection of health care, unhindered access to fuel and supplies, and the removal of restrictions on the entry of essential medical items, including assistive devices.
WHO called for an immediate ceasefire, stating the people of Gaza deserve peace, the right to health and care, and a chance to heal.
