Child Amputee Crisis & Total Aid Blockade

Israel’s war on Gaza has left tens of thousands injured, with the UN reporting the highest number of child amputees in modern history. Between 5,000 to 6,000 Palestinians have lost limbs since October 2023, overwhelming medical facilities. Prosthetic labs face severe shortages due to Israel’s blockade, forcing technicians to craft limbs from recycled materials. These locally made devices offer amputees—especially children—a fragile hope of regaining mobility. Yet, with borders sealed and aid restricted, even basic medical supplies remain out of reach. For survivors, losing a limb marks the start of a lifelong struggle in a shattered healthcare system. Their suffering persists, unnoticed and unrelenting, as the war rages on.

Al Jazeera’s Tareq Abu Azzoum reports from Deir el-Balah, Gaza.

A warning that some of the images in this report may be distressing.

There's been no let-up in Israel's strikes on Gaza with attacks killing at least 29 people on Tuesday.
One of the latest strikes targeted Gaza City, where rescue workers are trying to find surviving family members of a child who was pulled from the rubble.

Al Jazeera’s Julide Ayger reports.

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz says Israel will not allow any humanitarian aid to enter Gaza.
In a statement, Katz added no preparations are being made to bring supplies into the strip.
He said the blockade was a way of putting pressure on Hamas.
Israel has blocked food, medicine and other critical supplies from entering the strip for more than a month.
Aid agencies say there are concerns of a full-blown famine taking hold.

Al Jazeera’s Hind Khoudary has the latest updates from Deir el-Balah in central Gaza, Palestine.