Gaza: Amputations, nerve injuries and fractures - New report on injuries caused by heavy bombing

Press Release | London, 12th Decemver 2023, 12 GMT

A new report from global disability charity Humanity & Inclusion (HI) - “Blast Impacts: The Consequences of Explosive Weapons in Gaza” - shows the devastating immediate and long-term impacts on civilians of the heavy bombing and shelling of Gaza.
More than 12,000 bombs, ranging from 150kg to 1000kg, have been dropped on Gaza since the escalation of violence on 7th October, making it one of the most intense bombing campaigns in history conducted in a populated area.
The main types of injuries sustained from the use of explosive weapons in populated areas like Gaza are fractures, peripheral nerve injuries, amputations of one or several limbs, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and burns.
HI is calling for an immediate and long-lasting ceasefire.

Since the escalation of violence between Israel and Hamas, more than 15,000 people have been killed and more than 36,000 injured in Gaza by continuous bombing by Israeli forces. Israel’s retaliatory response comes after the attack launched by Hamas on October 7, killing 1,200 Israelis and taking 240 Israelis and foreign nationals hostage.

Types of injuries sustained

According to a new report by HI, the main types of injuries sustained from the use of explosive weapons in Gaza are fractures, peripheral nerve injuries, amputations of one or several limbs, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and burns. Sometimes, injured civilians arrive at hospitals with a combination of complex injuries that are extremely difficult or sometimes impossible to treat. The lack of medical care and lack of painkillers due to the siege imposed on the Gaza Strip means that many people suffer needlessly and may develop long term impairments that could have been avoided. This can be incredibly traumatic.

"Many people injured by bombing and shelling experience fractures, requiring urgent orthopedic care to prevent irreversible complications such as pain, muscle contractions, and deformities. Additionally, many undergo amputations, underscoring the need for prompt emergency and surgical care to potentially prevent such drastic measures. Peripheral nerve damage and spinal cord injuries are also common among those injured by bombing. All these individuals will face lifelong challenges, including pain, joint stiffness, and psychological trauma. Many will contend with temporary or permanent physical disabilities. The lack of access to healthcare and humanitarian services exacerbates these issues.” says Florence Daunis, HI’s International Operations Director.

Essential infrastructure destroyed

"The destruction or damage to critical civilian infrastructure, such as hospitals and schools, has a long-lasting impact as these essential services will be unavailable for a long period, even after violence ends. In addition, bombing and shelling leave areas heavily contaminated with explosive devices, as a variable percentage of these bombs and missiles fail to function as intended and can be hazardous. Remnants of unexploded bombs can also remain dangerous for days, weeks, or even years. This contamination, often found in rubble, necessitates long and complex clearance operations to ensure that people can safely return to their homes or rebuild affected buildings." Danila Zizi, HI Country Director for Occupied Palestinian Territories

The health system in Gaza has collapsed. 26 hospitals and 52 healthcare centres in Gaza are out of service, and 55 ambulances are damaged. The water supply system has been significantly damaged or rendered unusable. It is having a catastrophic impact on the hygiene and sanitary conditions of the population. Without access to clean water, people are forced to use contaminated water sources, leading to the spread of waterborne diseases such as cholera, dysentery, and typhoid.

According to the Ministry of Public Works and Housing, as of November 18th, at least 45% of Gaza’s housing units are destroyed or damaged. 20 WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) facilities have been affected, and at least three churches and 77 mosques have been damaged due to bombing and shelling.

Call for an immediate long-lasting ceasefire

HI is calling on all parties to the conflict to stop the use of explosive weapons in densely populated areas such as Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory. HI is also supporting #CeasefireNow, an open call for an immediate and long-lasting ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and Israel to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe and further loss of innocent lives and ensure humanitarian aid can be delivered rapidly and safely.

Notes

Spokespeople available for interview:

- Download HI’s new report “Blast Impacts: The Consequences of Explosive Weapons in Gaza” here: Download (pdf, 342KB)

- Spokespeople available for interviews:

George Graham, Chief Executive, Humanity & Inclusion UK – George has been to Gaza in the past and is an established campaigner on the impact of conflict on civilians, and particularly people with disabilities
Daniela Zizi, HI Country Manager, Palestine
Noor Bimbashi, HI Advocacy Officer, Palestine