Escalating amputation crisis in Gaza amid severe prosthetics shortage

Press Release | London, 22nd April 2026, 11:00 GMT

The humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, with thousands of amputees facing critical barriers to care, rehabilitation, and basic mobility. According to recent assessments, the scale of amputation injuries has reached unprecedented levels, while access to essential prosthetic services remains severely constrained.

Estimates from the World Health Organisation (WHO) indicate that between 5,000 and 6,000 people in Gaza had undergone amputations as of early October 2025.

At the height of the conflict, reports indicated that up to ten children per day were undergoing one or both leg amputations. Even the most conservative figures point to an exceptionally high number of amputations relative to Gaza’s population, likely placing it among the highest rates of conflict-related amputations per capita globally.

Rising needs

The growing number of amputees stands in stark contrast to the limited availability of prosthetic care. Thousands of individuals are currently waiting for prosthetic devices and long-term rehabilitation services. While hundreds have received prosthetics, the majority remain without support.

Since January 2025, Humanity & Inclusion’s team in Gaza have assessed 293 amputation cases, with 118 individuals receiving prosthetic fitting, repair, or maintenance.

A critical shortage of prosthetic materials is worsening the crisis. Essential components including prosthetic parts, liners, and raw materials are in short supply due to strict controls on goods entering Gaza.

Since February 2025, Humanity & Inclusion have been prevented by the Israeli Authorities to bring humanitarian supplies, including prosthetics, into Gaza. The entry of aid remains highly unpredictable, with all materials subject to approval by Israeli authorities.

System under strain

The prosthetics sector inside Gaza is under immense pressure. Only nine prosthetists are currently active in the territory with one of them working for Humanity & inclusion. This is far below what is needed to meet demand. Restrictions on the entry of international specialists have further limited technical support and training for local teams.

Prosthetics cannot simply be mass-produced or imported as finished products. Each device must be custom-made to fit the individual patient’s anatomy, requiring specialised expertise and materials such as plaster of Paris, thermoplastics, and silicone liners. Without proper fabrication and fitting, prosthetics can cause further injury.

Pre-prosthetic rehabilitation is also essential, involving medical preparation, stump care, and comprehensive evaluation. These processes require trained professionals and adequate resources.

The human impact

The consequences for amputees are severe:

Loss of mobility and independence: Many individuals are unable to walk or perform daily tasks, leading to complete reliance on family members.
Delayed rehabilitation: Lack of timely prosthetic care increases risks of complications such as muscle atrophy, joint stiffness, and chronic pain.
Psychological distress: Amputees frequently experience depression, anxiety, and a loss of hope.
Economic hardship: Without mobility, many are unable to return to work, increasing financial strain on already vulnerable households.

In some cases, amputees have attempted to create makeshift prosthetics using basic materials. These improvised solutions can cause serious harm, further complicating recovery.

The situation is especially challenging for children, who require ongoing adjustments to prosthetics as they grow, making their care more complex and resource-intensive.

A growing concern

Despite a ceasefire announced in October 2025, ongoing shellings and stikes and widespread contamination from unexploded ordnance continue to put civilians at risk of further injury.

Humanity & Inclusion warns that without immediate improvements in access to materials, technical expertise, and patient mobility, the number of amputees, and the severity of their conditions, will continue to rise.