Archive · 18 Dec 2025
Gaza Amputees Face Challenges Rebuilding Lives
Many people in Gaza have lost limbs because of the war.
They are having a hard time getting the help they need.
There aren't enough artificial limbs, and it's taking a long time for them to leave Gaza to get better treatment.
Some people, like Haneen al-Mabhouh, lost their children and are waiting for medical care to start their lives again.
Others, like Yassin Marouf and Mohamed al-Naggar, can't move around easily and dream of going back to school or working.
The situation is tough, but some supplies have started to arrive, and there's hope that more people will be able to get the help they need soon.
However, aid groups are worried because Israel is making it hard for them to operate, which could make things even worse for people in Gaza.
Thousands of Palestinians in Gaza have suffered amputations due to Israeli airstrikes, with an estimated 5,000 to 6,000 amputees, 25% of them children.
Amputees face significant challenges, including a shortage of prosthetic limbs and long delays in medical evacuations out of Gaza.
A recent shipment of prosthetic supplies entered Gaza, marking the first significant shipment in two years.
Medical evacuations for critical treatment abroad remain slow, with only 235 patients evacuated since the ceasefire began in October.
Dozens of international aid groups face de-registration by December 31, which could lead to the collapse of humanitarian operations in Gaza.
- Who
- Palestinians in Gaza, including amputees like Haneen al-Mabhouh, Yassin Marouf, and Mohamed al-Naggar, and international aid groups
- What
- Amputees struggling to rebuild their lives due to a shortage of prosthetic limbs and delays in medical evacuations; humanitarian operations at risk due to Israeli impediments
- When
- Since the start of the war in 2023, with a ceasefire beginning in October 2024; aid groups face de-registration by December 31
- Where
- Gaza Strip, with medical evacuations planned to the West Bank, east Jerusalem, and Egypt
- Why
- Due to Israeli airstrikes causing amputations and injuries, and subsequent delays in aid and medical supplies; Israeli registration process hindering humanitarian operations
Aid Groups
Israel
Aid Access
Aid Groups
Aid groups claim Israel is blocking necessary items from entering Gaza, hindering humanitarian operations.
Israel
Israel denies blocking aid and states it is abiding by its obligations under the truce.
- Estimated Amputees in Gaza
- 5,000 to 6,000
- Percentage of Child Amputees
- 25%
- Total Life-Changing Injuries in Gaza
- 42,000
- Prosthetists in Gaza
- 8
- Artificial Limbs Provided During War
- 250
- Patients Evacuated Since Ceasefire
- 235
- Patients Waiting for Evacuation
- 16,500
- Aid Groups at Risk of De-registration
- Dozens
- Time to Close Operations After De-registration
- 60 days