Thousands of Gaza amputees to receive prosthetic limbs

Gaza City, Palestine - 03.31.23

Thousands of Gazans left injured and disabled due to Israeli airstrikes that targeted civilian areas during the 2021 offensive will soon receive prosthetic limbs.

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) announced on Thursday that it will provide 1,000 prosthetic limbs to amputees in the besieged enclave, where thousands were injured in airstrikes last year. The ICRC will also distribute 2,000 mobility devices, such as wheelchairs and crutches, to those in need.

The announcement comes as Gaza continues to grapple with the aftermath of the 11-day Israeli offensive in May 2021, which left more than 250 Palestinians dead, including 67 children, and over 2,000 injured. Many of those injured sustained life-changing injuries, including amputations.

The ICRC's intervention is crucial in addressing the urgent needs of amputees in Gaza. The organization has been providing physical rehabilitation services in Gaza for over 20 years and has a team of experienced prosthetists and physiotherapists dedicated to helping amputees regain their mobility and independence.

The distribution of prosthetic limbs and mobility devices will be carried out in partnership with the Palestinian Ministry of Health and local rehabilitation centers. The ICRC will also provide training to local staff on the proper fitting and maintenance of the devices.

The ICRC's intervention is a significant step towards alleviating the suffering of amputees in Gaza and helping them to rebuild their lives. The organization's commitment to providing long-term support to the people of Gaza is a testament to its humanitarian mandate and its dedication to improving the lives of those affected by conflict.

Conclusion

Thousands of Gaza amputees will receive prosthetic limbs and mobility devices from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), providing crucial support to those injured during the 2021 Israeli offensive. The ICRC's intervention is a significant step towards alleviating the suffering of amputees in Gaza and helping them to rebuild their lives.