In Gaza City this week, a group of Palestinians who lost limbs in the recent war came together. They met on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Their meeting showed the serious problems facing disabled people in Gaza. Because of the conflict, the number of amputees has grown very quickly. The event was a place for solidarity and for people to ask for better rights and support.
The world marks this international day every December 3rd. It is for the rights and well-being of disabled people everywhere. In Gaza, the situation is now very severe. The war caused a very high number of serious injuries. Hospitals are full and often lack supplies. Doctors there have had to perform many amputations to save lives after bombings. Now, a large new community of war-wounded people needs help, but Gaza is not ready for them.
At the gathering, people shared their experiences. Many lost arms or legs in airstrikes. The event was also for activism. Disability rights campaigners asked for important changes. They want better support services. This includes modern artificial limbs, long-term rehabilitation, mental health care, and inclusive jobs and schools.
The future is difficult. Gaza's health system was already weak and cannot handle this new challenge. The economy is bad and unemployment is high. This makes life even harder for amputees. Advocates say a big, coordinated help effort is needed now. Without it, they warn of another crisis.
This event reminds us that the cost of war is more than the number of deaths. It continues in the lives of survivors. They must now build their lives in a place with great hardship.