Gaza amputees face shortage of prostheses under Israeli restrictions

Reports say nearly 5,000 war amputees in Gaza, about a quarter of them children, lack access to prosthetic limbs because some medical materials have been restricted; aid groups and Gaza clinics report supplies are dwindling and local capacity is limited.

Gaza clinics and international aid groups report a large shortfall of prosthetic limbs for people wounded during the conflict, including many children. The shortage is linked to restrictions on certain materials used to make prostheses, according to medical centres, aid organisations and statements from the agency that controls Gaza access. Clinics say remaining supplies are limited and local expertise and staff are few, so some centres are reusing recovered devices or improvising alternatives while discussions continue between aid groups and authorities. Key reported facts: - Nearly 5,000 war-related amputees are reported in Gaza, with roughly a quarter of them children, according to aid groups and health officials. - Imports of key prosthetic materials such as plaster of Paris have been largely restricted for months, and some centres say current stocks may last only until June or July. - Local capacity is constrained, with only a small number of prosthetists reported to remain in Gaza, and some clinics are reusing recovered prostheses or improvising solutions that carry risks for users. Summary: The reported shortage is prolonging recovery and limiting follow-up care, particularly for children who need regular refittings, while clinics and aid groups report dwindling supplies and limited staff. Undetermined at this time.