Tue Nov 19 08:54:57 UTC 2024: ## Gaza’s Disabled Face Catastrophe Amidst Ongoing Conflict

**Gaza City, Palestine** – The ongoing conflict in Gaza has created a humanitarian crisis of immense proportions, particularly for Palestinians with disabilities. The near-total collapse of the healthcare system, coupled with widespread displacement and ongoing violence, has left this vulnerable population facing insurmountable challenges.

Over 22,500 people have sustained life-altering injuries from months of airstrikes and ground invasions, adding to the pre-existing disability population of nearly 50,000. Hundreds more with pre-existing disabilities have perished or remain trapped under rubble. The near-total destruction of infrastructure severely hampers mobility for all disabled individuals, making escape from conflict zones extremely difficult.

The destruction extends to the support systems designed to aid the disabled population. The killing of key figures like Hashem Ghazal, founder of the Atfaluna Society for Deaf Children, highlights the devastating impact on essential services.

Several heartbreaking cases illustrate the severity of the situation: Nine-year-old Azmi Aljamal, severely injured and wheelchair-bound after a missile strike that killed much of his family, lacks access to essential medical care and supplies. Thirty-one-year-old Mahmoud Adnan Shokor, paraplegic and with speech difficulties, is facing worsening health conditions due to lack of medication and the constant threat of violence. Ten-year-old Reem Ayad, who lost her hand in an airstrike, requires a prosthetic limb and specialized care unavailable in Gaza. Nine-year-old Amina Omar, suffering from cerebral palsy, faces daily challenges navigating displacement camps with limited resources, while her mother lost a pregnancy amidst the chaos.

These are just a few examples of the thousands suffering. The conflict has not only decimated healthcare but also deprived disabled individuals of basic necessities, including food, medicine, and mobility aids. Families, demonstrating remarkable resilience, risk their lives to care for loved ones.

This crisis demands immediate international action. Advocates are calling for an arms embargo on Israel, a permanent ceasefire, and increased humanitarian aid to ensure the safety and well-being of all Palestinians, particularly those with disabilities. The ongoing suffering underscores the urgent need for global intervention to prevent a further humanitarian catastrophe.

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