GENEVA: A United Nations committee has reported that at least 21,000 children in Gaza have been left disabled since the war between Israel and Hamas began nearly two years ago.
According to the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, around 40,500 children have sustained new war-related injuries, with more than half resulting in permanent disabilities. The committee noted that Israeli evacuation orders were often inaccessible for people with hearing or visual impairments, leaving many unable to escape. Reports also highlighted people with disabilities being forced to crawl through mud or debris without assistance.
Restrictions on humanitarian aid have further worsened conditions. The committee stressed that disabled people face severe shortages of food, clean water, sanitation, and medical support. Physical obstacles, war debris, and the destruction of mobility aids under rubble have left many unable to reach aid points. It added that 83 percent of people with disabilities lost their assistive devices, and most cannot afford replacements.
The committee voiced concern that essential devices like wheelchairs, walkers, and prosthetics are classified by Israeli authorities as “dual-use items” and excluded from aid shipments. It urged the immediate delivery of large-scale humanitarian assistance and called on all parties to ensure protection for persons with disabilities.
The UN body recorded at least 157,114 people injured in Gaza since October 7, 2023, with over 25 percent at risk of lifelong impairments. It urged Israel to adopt specific measures for safeguarding children with disabilities and ensuring their safe return home.
