Child amputees of Gaza
The haunting reality of the Palestine-Israel conflict’s toll on innocent lives is vividly illustrated in the heartbreaking stories of eleven-year-old Noor from Jabalia. The impact of an explosion that hit her home in October left her left leg almost entirely torn off, and now her right leg, held together with a heavy metal bar and screws, is at risk of amputation.
In the war-ravaged landscape of Gaza, a generation of child amputees is emerging — a devastating consequence of Israel’s relentless bombardment that has caused severe blast and crush injuries in densely populated areas. The collapsed medical system in Gaza, exacerbated by the loss of medical personnel due to unapologetic killings, is ill-equipped to provide the care and treatment required for these young lives. The statistics are harrowing with over 1,000 children having undergone leg amputations by the end of November, with nearly a quarter of injuries in Gaza being children, according to Unicef. The shortage of healthcare workers coupled with unhygienic conditions has compounded the challenges. The European Hospital in Gaza struggles to provide even basic necessities, with painkillers for chronic pain running low. The dire situation extends beyond physical injuries, as delays at military checkpoints have left children stranded. Dr Chris Hook, a British emergency medicine doctor, grimly notes that many limbs believed to be saved may still require amputation, while others may succumb to longer-term consequences.
As the world bears witness to the plight of these young victims, the urgent need for international intervention and support for Gaza’s beleaguered healthcare system becomes undeniable. The toll of the conflict on vulnerable children makes it an imperative for the international community to find a lasting resolution that prioritises protection and well-being above all else. No child should have to endure such agony.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 8th, 2024.
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