The ongoing struggles of child amputees in Gaza highlight the devastating impact of the conflict on young lives, particularly following the Israeli bombardments.

As of late 2024, estimates indicate that between 3,000 to 4,000 children have suffered amputations, contributing to a total of about 17,500 individuals needing rehabilitation and assistance due to severe limb injuries.

Gaza's Health Ministry has reported that over 15,000 children under the age of 17 have been killed since the conflict began, with nearly 90% of the 2.3 million population displaced by the violence.

This humanitarian crisis escalated after the Israeli military campaign was launched in response to a Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, which resulted in significant casualties and numerous abductions.

Despite a temporary ceasefire in January 2025 that allowed some aid to enter, only 20% of the medical supplies needed were provided before Israel's blockade resumed on March 2, 2025.

Limited access to medical supplies has severely hindered treatment efforts, despite claims from the Israeli military that there are no restrictions on medical supplies.

While some child amputees have been evacuated for treatment abroad, the process remains slow, leaving many, including Abdulrahman, who lost his leg after an airstrike, waiting for assistance.

Five-year-old Sila Abu Aqlan, who lost her leg to an airstrike, is currently learning to walk on a prosthetic leg at the Artificial Limbs and Polio Center in Gaza City.

Children like Sila and 11-year-old Reem, who also lost a limb, are not only facing physical challenges but also severe psychological trauma, leading to feelings of isolation and despair.

The United Nations has referred to the situation in Gaza as the largest cohort of child amputees in modern history, with thousands of children affected by amputations due to the ongoing war.