Gaza’s Amputees: War Survivors Face Rising Suffering Amid Medical Shortages and Siege
Thousands of Children and Women Struggle for Prosthetic Care as Israel’s War and Blockade Devastate Gaza’s Health Sector
Watan-Amid the ongoing and devastating Israeli genocide war on Gaza for over a year and a half, the number, suffering, and pain of amputees—mostly children and women—continue to rise, exacerbated by a severe shortage of medical equipment and prosthetic materials due to the relentless blockade on the Strip. Among those affected is Raed Abu Al-Kass, a Palestinian sitting in Gaza’s Prosthetics and Paralysis Center, awaiting his turn for physical therapy and rehabilitation after losing his leg in an Israeli airstrike while operating water wells.
Abu Al-Kass’s story, as a municipal worker for Gaza City, reflects the deep humanitarian tragedy left by the war. His right leg was amputated, and two of his colleagues were killed. As neighbors and his sons tried to save him amidst the smoke and rubble, Israeli planes struck again, killing one of his sons and severely injuring another, Mahmoud, whose leg was later amputated.
Recalling that day with a choked voice, Raed said: “I was opening water valves for the citizens. I thought serving the people would protect me, but the occupation left us no safety. They targeted us while we were unarmed. My leg was amputated before my eyes, my son was killed, and Mahmoud’s life was forever changed.”
Mahmoud, once dreaming of becoming a professional footballer for Shuja’iyya Club, added sadly: “I used to play football every day. My dream was to make my family proud. But the occupation shattered my dreams and took my leg.” He continued: “Now, I sit in a wheelchair and dream of getting a high-quality prosthetic that would help me stand and support my father, who also lost his leg.”
Over the past months, Raed and Mahmoud underwent numerous surgeries at Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital under dire conditions and severe medical shortages. They later received prosthetic limbs at the Prosthetics Center, but the lack of materials and skilled staff heavily impacts services.
Today, father and son spend several hours a day training at the center, undergoing rehabilitation sessions, sharing a single dream: to travel abroad to receive advanced prosthetics and regain part of their normal lives. “All I have left is Mahmoud and my wife, who bears the heaviest burden,” said Raed. “We dream of light prosthetics that allow us to help each other and live with dignity.” Mahmoud interrupted: “I dream of running again, even just kicking a ball with my friends… The occupation destroyed my dreams but not my faith that we will live again.”
Surge in Amputee Numbers in Gaza
Gaza is witnessing a sharp increase in amputations due to the destructive Israeli genocide war ongoing since October 7, 2023. Severe shortages of essential materials and the continuous closure of crossings have worsened the situation. According to “My Health” program records, 4,700 amputation cases have been documented, a program led by the Palestinian Ministry of Health in partnership with the ICRC and Gaza Municipality’s Prosthetics and Paralysis Center, according to media officer Hosni Mhanna.
Mhanna emphasized that the spike in amputation cases is due to Israel’s intensive use of explosive weapons and direct targeting of civilians. Since the start of the aggression, the center has received around 600 amputation cases, conducted regular follow-ups, and fitted about 100 patients with prosthetics, while providing dozens of wheelchairs and assistive devices.
Severe Shortage of Prosthetic Manufacturing Materials
Mhanna stressed that the center suffers from a critical shortage of essential raw materials, medical devices, and spare parts, crippling service capacity. Staff, working under intense pressure and limited resources, struggle daily to meet the soaring needs. Currently, 320 cases are undergoing physical rehabilitation at the center.
In early March, Israel escalated its blockade, closing all crossings and fully banning humanitarian aid and fuel trucks. On March 18, Israel withdrew from a ceasefire agreement despite Hamas’ adherence, resuming the genocide war on Gaza.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government’s refusal to complete the prisoner exchange deal prolonged the detention of Israeli captives in Gaza. Since October 7, 2023, Israel’s war has caused over 170,000 Palestinian casualties, mostly women and children, with more than 11,000 missing.