The health system in Gaza is overwhelmed, with 42,000 Palestinians suffering life-changing injuries, according to the World Health Organization.
That includes more than 10,000 children, as the “health system collapses under relentless strain,” the WHO warned Thursday.
“These life changing injuries account for one quarter of all reported injuries, of a total of over 167,300 people injured since October 2023,” said Rik Peeperkorn, the WHO representative in the West Bank and Gaza.
More than 5,000 people have faced amputation and other severe injuries to arms, legs and the spinal cord, while dozens of rehabilitation workers have been killed and facilities close to collapse, the WHO said.
“Currently less than 14 of Gaza’s 36 hospitals remain partially functional, while less than one third of pre-conflict rehabilitation services are operating, with several facing imminent closure,” Peeperkorn said.
More than 6,700 people fled northern Gaza to the south within a 10-hour span on Wednesday alone, adding to over 417,000 displacements since mid-August, according to UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq.
