Humanitarian Challenges for People with Disabilities in the Gaza Strip

Humanitarian Challenges for People with Disabilities in the Gaza Strip

United Nations data indicates a tragic deterioration in the situation of people with disabilities in the Gaza Strip, as the war has revealed unprecedented challenges.

The Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities announced that more than 21,000 children have sustained new disabilities since October 7, 2023, while about 25% of the injured—out of over 157,000 total injuries—face the risk of permanent disability.

In this context, persons with disabilities face nearly insurmountable difficulties in accessing aid or even surviving, necessitating urgent and specialized humanitarian intervention.

Key Statistics

Over 21,000 children with new disabilities

157,114 war-related injuries (as of August 2025)

25% of the injured at risk of permanent disability

83% have lost their assistive devices (wheelchairs, prosthetics, crutches)

Main Challenges

1. Evacuation and Displacement Difficulties

Evacuation orders do not reach those with hearing and visual impairments

Displacement under harsh and inhumane conditions, sometimes forcing people to crawl without assistance

2. Obstacles to Accessing Aid

Distribution points reduced from 400 to just 4

Rubble and lack of transportation make access nearly impossible

3. Deprivation of Essential Equipment

Ban on entry of wheelchairs and prosthetics

These items classified as “dual-use” materials

Affected individuals unable to afford alternatives

4. Impact of the Siege on Daily Life

Severe shortages of food and clean water

Lack of basic hygiene supplies

Almost complete dependence on others for survival

Urgent Recommendations

Deliver aid directly to where persons with disabilities are located

Allow entry of assistive equipment without restrictions

Develop comprehensive evacuation systems that take into account all types of disabilities

Provide protection, health care, and rehabilitation

Ensure safe return to homes

Call to Action

We invite our partners and donors to:

Support rehabilitation programs and provide prosthetics and wheelchairs

Contribute to delivering aid to families caring for persons with disabilities

Advocate for lifting restrictions on the entry of assistive equipment into the Gaza Strip