Standing in solidarity with Palestinians with disabilities

On this International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we recognise and advocate for the rights and dignity of people with disabilities worldwide. For Palestinians, particularly in Gaza, the struggle for accessibility, healthcare, and inclusion is complicated by decades of conflict and restricted access to resources. The relentless attack on Gaza over the past year has tragically increased the number of Palestinians living with disabilities, adding urgency to the call for international support and intervention.

Rising Conflict-Related Disabilities in Palestine

According to Palestinian health organisations and international bodies, there are approximately 93,000 people with disabilities in Gaza and the West Bank (as of August 2023).

For many of these individuals, disabilities stem from injuries caused by military actions, such as bombings and ground assaults. In Gaza, which has experienced numerous military operations and constant airstrikes, thousands have sustained life-altering injuries, including amputations, blindness, and paralysis. Each escalation adds to this number, with civilians often bearing the brunt of the violence.

The recent bombardments in Gaza, beginning in October 2023, have created another wave of disability. With thousands killed and tens of thousands wounded, many survivors are now facing life with permanent injuries. It’s estimated that since Israeli attacks on Gaza began in 2023, over 1,000 children in Gaza have lost a limb. Reports from local medical facilities reveal that, due to a lack of sufficient medical supplies and blocked access to healthcare, some injuries that could have been treated effectively are resulting in permanent disabilities.

Compounded Challenges for Disabled Palestinians

For disabled Palestinians, life is an uphill battle against systemic barriers. Gaza’s healthcare system, already crippled by years of blockade, lacks essential medical equipment, rehabilitation facilities, and trained staff to support those with disabilities. Mobility aids like wheelchairs, crutches, and prosthetic limbs are in short supply, and with limited infrastructure in place to provide these essential items, many individuals are left without the support they need to navigate their daily lives.

Education and employment opportunities are also limited. Schools and workplaces are often ill-equipped to accommodate individuals with disabilities, making it nearly impossible for many disabled Palestinians to access education or earn a stable income. These barriers not only limit personal independence but also contribute to the social and economic marginalization of people with disabilities, creating a cycle of poverty and exclusion.

Who Helps? Organisations Working on the Ground

A range of local and international organisations are working tirelessly to support disabled Palestinians, although ongoing restrictions and funding cuts severely constrain their resources. Organisations like UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency), the Palestinian Red Crescent Society, and the Palestinian Medical Relief Society provide critical assistance, offering rehabilitation services, mental health counseling, and mobility aids to those who need them most.

UNRWA, which provides crucial support to Palestinian refugees, operates in an increasingly difficult environment following recent restrictions and funding cuts. As a result, thousands of disabled Palestinians in Gaza are now at risk of losing essential services that help them live with dignity. Without additional resources and support from the international community, these organizations face mounting difficulties in reaching those most in need.

The Right to Accessibility, Healthcare, and Dignity

On this International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we must renew our commitment to supporting the rights and well-being of disabled Palestinians. The recent attacks have created an urgent need for medical supplies, rehabilitation centers, and long-term support to help newly disabled individuals adapt to their conditions and live with dignity. We call on the UK government and international allies to advocate for:

1. Unrestricted Access to Medical Aid – Demand that humanitarian and medical supplies be allowed to enter Gaza unimpeded to provide necessary treatment and rehabilitation services.
2. Increased Support for Rehabilitation Services – Support organisations working to provide physical and mental rehabilitation for those impacted by conflict-related disabilities.
3. Protecting the Rights of Disabled Palestinians – Ensure that international laws safeguarding the rights of people with disabilities are respected, even in conflict zones, so that disabled Palestinians receive the support and services they need.

This International Day of Persons with Disabilities, let us stand together to ensure that disabled Palestinians are not forgotten. They have the right to live with dignity, and with our collective support, we can help break down the barriers that stand in the way of their empowerment and independence. By advocating for their rights and supporting the organisations that work to serve them, we honour their resilience and take a meaningful step toward justice and inclusion for all.