Gaza, Palestine – UN agencies have warned that the ongoing war in the Gaza Strip has exacerbated the suffering of people with disabilities, amid a continuing deterioration of the humanitarian situation. This has increased their isolation and made it more difficult for them to access basic services, healthcare, and humanitarian aid.
The UN agencies confirmed that thousands of people with disabilities face increasing challenges in accessing treatment, assistive devices, and rehabilitation services. This is due to the widespread damage inflicted on hospitals and care centers. Furthermore, the bombing, military operations, and repeated displacement continue.
She explained that many shelters lack the necessary facilities to accommodate people with disabilities, increasing their vulnerability to health and psychological risks. This also limits their access to basic necessities such as food, water, and care.
She noted that the continued deterioration of infrastructure and basic services exacerbates the daily challenges faced by people with disabilities. It also makes their access to health facilities, educational institutions, and humanitarian services more difficult, especially given the shortages of fuel and medical supplies.
UN agencies stressed the need to ensure humanitarian access to all people without discrimination, including the provision of specialized services tailored to the needs of people with disabilities. They also called for enhanced protection of civilians and adherence to international humanitarian law.
They emphasized that integrating the needs of people with disabilities into all humanitarian response plans has become an urgent necessity. This requires providing health and psychological support and improving access to essential services. Such measures will ensure a safer and more dignified life for people with disabilities amidst the escalating humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip.
