Nearly 42 000 people in the Gaza Strip have life-changing injuries caused by the ongoing conflict, according to the latest WHO estimates released today. One in four of these injuries are in children. 

Life-changing injuries account for one quarter of all reported injuries, of a total of 167 376 people injured since October 2023. Over 5000 people have faced amputation. Based on a larger pool of data, the findings are consistent with WHO’s previous analysis.

Other severe injuries, including to arms and legs (over  22 000), to the spinal cord (over 2000), to the brain (over 1300), and major burns (more than 3300) are also widespread, further increasing the need for specialized surgical and rehabilitation services and deeply affecting patients and their families across Gaza.

The report also highlights the prevalence of complex facial and eye injuries, especially amongst patients listed for medical evacuation outside Gaza, conditions often leading to disfigurement, disability, and social stigma. 

The updated analysis draws on data from 22 WHO-supported Emergency Medical Teams (EMTs), Gaza’s Ministry of Health, and key health partners, providing a more comprehensive picture of rehabilitation needs as a result of severe trauma injuries.