Devastation in Gaza: The Human Cost of War

Strategic Insights -

The Israeli war in Gaza has resulted in the devastating effects on the health care system and the lives of its civilians, particularly children. Amr al-Hams, a 3-year-old boy, is one of the countless victims whose life has been forever changed due to the conflict. He has shrapnel in his brain, his mother was killed, and his father is paralyzed by grief. Despite being out of intensive care, Amr's frail body twists in pain, and he is unable to speak or move due to the lack of medical supplies and care.

Key Takeaways:

  • The war in Gaza has killed over 57,000 Palestinians, with women and children making up most of the dead, according to Gaza's Health Ministry.
  • Nearly half of Gaza's 36 hospitals have been put out of service, with daily bombings and strikes overwhelming the remaining facilities.
  • Doctors have been killed or displaced, unable to reach hospitals due to continued military operations.
  • Israel has blocked all food, medicine, and other supplies from entering Gaza, accusing Hamas of siphoning off aid to fund its military activities.
  • Since mid-May, Israel has allowed in a trickle of aid, including medical supplies.
  • Gaza's Health Ministry estimates that 33,000 children have been injured during the war, including 5,000 requiring long-term rehabilitation and critical care.
  • Over 1,000 children are suffering from brain or spinal injuries or amputated limbs.
  • A pediatric intensive care specialist, Tanya Haj-Hassan, estimates that Gaza will be dealing with future generations of kids living with disabilities due to the destroyed health system.
  • Amr's aunt, Nour al-Hams, has been his primary caregiver since his mother's death, and she is worried about his long-term recovery due to the lack of medical care.
  • The care Amr has missed is critical for his brain injuries, and he requires immediate rehabilitation and speech therapy, which is not available in Gaza.
  • Since the Israeli blockade on Gaza began in March, 317 patients, including 216 children, have left the territory for medical treatment.
  • Over 10,000 people, including 2,500 children, await evacuation.

Statistics:

  • Over 57,000 Palestinians killed in the war
  • 33,000 children injured during the war, including 5,000 requiring long-term rehabilitation
  • 1,000 children suffering from brain or spinal injuries or amputated limbs
  • 317 patients, including 216 children, have left Gaza for medical treatment since March
  • Over 10,000 people, including 2,500 children, await evacuation
  • 57% of Gaza's hospitals have been put out of service
  • 2,000 patients and their companions have left Gaza for treatment in recent weeks, according to COGAT

Sources:

  • Gaza's Health Ministry
  • The Associated Press
  • The World Health Organization
  • COGAT, the Israeli military body in charge of civilian affairs in Gaza
  • Tess Ingram, spokesperson for the U.N. children's agency