The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported that nearly 42,000 people in Gaza are living with life-changing injuries caused by the ongoing conflict, underscoring the severe human toll of the war.
According to the WHO, more than 5,000 of those affected have undergone amputations, though that figure may be underestimated. The agency noted that its current tally excludes traumatic amputations — cases where limbs are lost at the time of injury before a patient ever reaches a health facility.
The numbers illustrate the immense strain placed on Gaza’s already fragile healthcare system. With hospitals overwhelmed, medical professionals continue to warn that many victims are not receiving adequate treatment, rehabilitation, or psychological support. WHO officials stressed that the long-term consequences for survivors will be profound, ranging from physical disability to unemployment, displacement, and lifelong dependency on medical care.
The organization said these injuries represent more than just immediate medical emergencies; they also create a generational crisis for families who must now provide ongoing support to loved ones. Many of the injured are children, adding to concerns that Gaza will face decades of social and economic hardship.
Health experts have also raised alarms about the lack of rehabilitation services. Prosthetics, physical therapy, and specialized care remain in short supply due to restrictions on medical equipment and limited access for humanitarian aid. The WHO cautioned that without a significant increase in international support, thousands of patients will be left to cope with permanent disabilities without the resources to rebuild their lives.
In addition to physical harm, the psychological impact is immense. Survivors of traumatic injuries are dealing with post-traumatic stress, depression, and anxiety, with little access to mental health services. The WHO emphasized that war-related injuries are not just measured in lost limbs but also in the long-lasting scars left on communities.
While exact figures remain difficult to confirm due to restricted access and ongoing fighting, the WHO’s report highlights the scale of suffering. Officials reiterated their call for humanitarian access and urgent measures to ensure that medical assistance — including rehabilitation — reaches all who need it.
The crisis, they warned, is not only about survival today but also about securing dignity and hope for the future of Gaza’s wounded population.
Health
WHO Issues Alert Over Contaminated Cough Syrups From India
The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned about contaminated cough syrups in India after reports linked them to the deaths of several children in Madhya Pradesh’s Chhindwara district.
Inhalers Found to Emit as Much Carbon as 500,000 Cars a Year
Inhalers used to treat asthma and chronic lung diseases are responsible for a surprising amount of greenhouse gas emissions, new research shows.
KMPDU Urges Ruto to Dissolve Kiambu Gov’t After 131 Deaths
The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has called on President William Ruto to dissolve the Kiambu County government following the reported deaths of 131 newborns during an ongoing doctors’ strike.
Pharmacy Board Refutes Medicine Import Ban Claims in Kenya
The Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) has firmly rejected claims that it blocked over 21,000 medical products from entering Kenya, insisting that drug supply across the country remains uninterrupted.
Kenya Opens Polio Lab to Strengthen Virus Detection in Region
Kenya has launched a new polio laboratory at the Kenya Medical Research Institute’s Centre for Virus Research.