UN: 21,000 Children Disabled Due to Israel-Hamas War

At least 21,000 children in Gaza have become disabled as a result of the war between Israel and Hamas since October 7, 2023, according to the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CDPH).

The Committee reports that a total of 40,500 children have suffered injuries. It calls for special measures by Israel to protect disabled children and implement evacuation protocols that take their needs into account.

The CDPH estimates that evacuation orders often do not reach people with hearing or visual impairments, making timely removal impossible.

The Committee appealed for massive humanitarian assistance to disabled people, noting that restrictions on the inflow of aid have a disproportionate impact on them.

Furthermore, it expresses concern that aids such as wheelchairs are not included in aid shipments, as they are considered 'dual-use items' by the Israeli authorities.

Finally, the Committee calls on all parties to take measures to protect disabled people and prevent new incidents of violence and deprivation of rights.