THE CRUTCHES OF GAZA 2018 - 2019 - ONGOING (23 images)

On the 30th of March, demonstrations were organized by the civil society of Gaza to protest the blockade and demand the return of Palestinian refugees on their land. But violence between protesters and Israeli soldiers posted across the border has quickly erupted. Since March 2018, 311 Palestinians have been killed and thousands have been injured. Among them, about 8000 are severe limb injuries caused by explosive bullets: about 150 have directly resulted in amputations and at least 108 cases...
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On the 30th of March, demonstrations were organized by the civil society of Gaza to protest the blockade and demand the return of Palestinian refugees on their land. But violence between protesters and Israeli soldiers posted across the border has quickly erupted. Since March 2018, 311 Palestinians have been killed and thousands have been injured. Among them, about 8000 are severe limb injuries caused by explosive bullets: about 150 have directly resulted in amputations and at least 108 cases were the result of secondary amputations, due to subsequent bone infections. For the thousands who kept their leg, they need reconstructive surgery and physiotherapy sessions to hope to walk normally…

Oum Ahmed is 45 years old and a mother of 9 children. On 7th December 2018, she was injured by an explosive bullet in her right lower leg while taking part in the "Great March of Return". She underwent 3 different surgeries in Gaza and in Egypt and still misses 5cm of her shinbone. Her life and that of her family has been a struggle for almost a year. Nour, 16 years old was a very sporty young man. On the 1st of June 2018, his life changed completely while being shot in the shoulder and in the neck during the “Great March of Return”. Hit at the cervical, his entire body is paralyzed. Tarek, 19 years old, was injured by an explosive bullet on his left knee. Beyond repair, Tarek had to underwent an amputation. He’s still waiting for an artificial leg in order to get back to a normal life.
These people will need medical assistance for a lifetime. But in Gaza, it is difficult to meet the multiple medical needs; there is a lack of funds, years of blockade, a Palestinian internal policy, and a chronic energy crisis.
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