Gaza child amputees denied medical travel by Israeli restrictions, rights group says

Severe travel restrictions imposed by Israeli authorities are preventing more than 1,100 children with amputations in the Gaza Strip from accessing essential medical care outside the territory, according to a report by the Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor.

The Geneva-based rights group stated that travel barriers, which extend to medical evacuation operations, have left young amputees unable to receive the advanced, specialized treatments they require. Based on the monitor's findings, 1,134 children in Gaza have lost limbs because of Israeli attacks, but very few are able to obtain adequate long-term rehabilitation and medical attention.

Data from the World Health Organization cited in the report indicates that 2,300 individuals requiring amputation care, including both adults and minors, were evaluated from September 2024 through May 2026. Despite these assessments, only about 500 patients—under one-fourth of the total—managed to acquire permanent prosthetic devices.

The territory faces a critical deficit in medical resources, with only eight certified prosthetics and orthotics specialists currently operating inside Gaza, according to the monitor. Facilities also lack the specialized machinery and components needed to produce, customize, fit, and repair artificial limbs locally.

Rights advocates warned that blocking access to rehabilitation, follow-up medical care, and appropriate education threatens to inflict permanent physical hardship on injured youths. Because growing children require regular adjustments to their prostheses, missing continuous care can lead to serious secondary complications, long-term chronic pain, and severe mobility limitations.

Local families have highlighted the personal toll of the closures. Fidaa Ahmad Al-Shaer, 36, told investigators that her 11-year-old son sustained a paralyzed condition and lost a hand after an Israeli artillery projectile struck near his location. The child requires several surgical interventions outside the enclave along with a prosthetic device, but closed border points have blocked his departure.

The rights monitor noted that Israeli import controls prevent local providers from bringing in the materials and tools necessary to produce artificial limbs within Gaza. Furthermore, outside medical specialists who could assist patients and train domestic personnel face obstacles obtaining entry permits.

Euro-Med Monitor condemned the ongoing restrictions, asserting that blocking medical treatment and rehabilitation for wounded children forms part of wider actions causing severe physical destruction to the population under international legal definitions.