Lose a limb or risk death? Growing numbers among Gaza’s thousands of war-wounded face hard decisions

Many war-wounded individuals in Gaza face the agonizing decision of either losing a limb or risking death due to the lack of adequate medical resources.

The Israel-Hamas conflict, now in its 12th week, has severely strained Gaza’s healthcare system. Only nine out of 36 hospitals remain operational, leading to overcrowding, limited treatment options, and a lack of essential surgical equipment.

Amputations are becoming more common due to the acute shortage of vascular surgeons who can save limbs. Additionally, the severity of injuries often makes limb salvage impossible, necessitating amputations to prevent life-threatening infections.

Amputees in Gaza face near-impossible conditions. The majority of the population is displaced, living in crowded shelters with limited access to basic necessities, making rehabilitation and prosthetic limbs difficult to obtain.

The conflict has shattered the dreams and aspirations of young individuals like Shaimaa Nabahin. She had to abandon her studies and now hopes to leave Gaza and lead a normal life with a prosthetic limb.