The recent Israel-Hamas conflict has caused immense suffering and displacement for the people of Gaza. Among the most vulnerable are those with disabilities, who face even greater challenges in accessing essential aid and protection. International aid organizations have raised concerns about the disproportionate harm inflicted upon this marginalized population.
Impact on the Disabled Population:
Reports have surfaced of heartbreaking stories involving people with disabilities in Gaza. The account of two sisters, who are unable to hear the sound of incoming bombs, underscores the heightened dangers they face. Additionally, a 60-year-old woman, reliant on a wheelchair, found herself confined to a blanket in a shelter after her wheelchair broke during an evacuation. These examples demonstrate the urgent need for increased support and aid to ensure the safety and well-being of disabled individuals in Gaza.
The Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza:
Since the initiation of the conflict, thousands of lives have been lost, and the infrastructure of Gaza has been severely damaged. Israel’s cutting off of essential resources such as water, power, and fuel has further exacerbated the dire situation for the entire population of over two million people. The limited aid that has been allowed into Gaza has been insufficient to meet the needs of the people, leading to unsterilized conditions and inadequate medical supplies within shelters. The result is a surge in medical issues, including the development of ulcers.
Reports and Calls for Action:
Human Rights Watch recently published a report featuring interviews with disabled individuals in Gaza, shedding light on their increased vulnerability and the challenges they face during the conflict. The report discloses difficulties such as an inability to hear bombings or evacuate swiftly in response to evacuation orders. Human Rights Watch emphasizes that U.N. resolutions to protect the rights of people with disabilities in conflicts have not been upheld, urging Israel, the U.N., and other allies to take immediate steps to protect this population and lift the blockade.
Israel’s Response:
Israel Defense Forces have stated that their actions aim to dismantle Hamas’ military capabilities and minimize civilian harm, following international law and taking feasible precautions. However, the chronic issues faced by people with disabilities in Gaza have drawn criticism from various human rights groups, emphasizing the urgent need for a comprehensive and inclusive approach in addressing their specific needs.
The Voice of Advocates:
Ziad Amro, the President of the Palestine Association For Visually Impaired Persons, has been in contact with members of the disabled population in Gaza during the conflict. He highlights the lack of access to essential resources such as food, water, communication, and electric wheelchairs, which further compounds existing mobility and accessibility challenges.
Reham Shaheen, a regional rehabilitation field specialist with non-profit Humanity & Inclusion, shares that people with disabilities in Gaza have faced ongoing difficulties even before the war due to the blockade and lack of inclusive policies. She underscores the hardships faced by this population, including homelessness, separation from families and support systems, and the inability to afford necessary supplies. These challenges are intensified during times of conflict.
Addressing the Immediate and Long-Term Needs:
To address the urgent crisis faced by people with disabilities in Gaza, a two-fold approach is required. Firstly, a ceasefire must be established to ensure the safety and well-being of all Gazans. This has been a growing demand from the global community. Secondly, inclusive aid and support should be provided, including assistive devices and trained aid workers who can address the specific needs of individuals with disabilities. Collecting accurate data about this vulnerable population is essential to prevent their needs from being overlooked in the future.
The violent conflict between Israel and Hamas has brought immense suffering to the people of Gaza, disproportionately affecting the disabled population. Urgent action is needed to ensure the safety, protection, and well-being of this vulnerable group. It is our collective responsibility to advocate for a ceasefire and provide inclusive aid that addresses the specific challenges faced by people with disabilities in Gaza. By doing so, we can help alleviate their immediate suffering and establish a foundation for a more inclusive and resilient future.
Market Capital Research 