In October 2024, the United Nations issued a grim statement: Gaza is now home to the largest cohort of child amputees in modern history.
As of April 2025, the UN reports that 4,500 people have lost limbs due to the ongoing conflict, including more than 800 children. Many have been left to suffer with limited or no access to medical care and support.
The scale of the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza cannot be overstated. Over two-thirds of Gaza’s health facilities have been destroyed or rendered non-functional. Access to medical equipment and supplies, including critical items like prosthetics, is severely restricted.
Helping amputees reclaim their lives
Through the Gaza Emergency Appeal, Caritas Australia is supporting Caritas Jerusalem in partnership with the Artificial Limbs and Polio Center to deliver a life-changing program: providing artificial limbs to 140 people, most of them children, who have lost limbs during the conflict.
“These artificial limbs are not just a physical support,” says Caritas Jerusalem, “they are a symbol of resilience.”
That’s certainly true for Riham, one of the program participants.
“I endured a whole year of suffering. I couldn’t walk. Even going to the bathroom was a struggle... I would stumble and fall.”
For Riham, receiving a prosthetic limb changed everything:
“When I wore the prosthetic limb, I felt like I could finally stand without holding onto anything. I felt relieved and my mental state improved. As long as there is a limb and the ability to walk, a person can do anything.”
Protheses in various stages of production. Photo: Caritas Jerusalem
A specialist works on casting a prosthetic. Photo: Caritas Jerusalem
And for Khamees, a young man who lost his left leg, the gift of a prosthetic offered more than physical recovery.
“I was surprised and happy… I went home overjoyed and slept feeling truly happy.”
“Be strong and never give up. Thank you, Caritas Jerusalem. I hope you continue to help those in need of prosthetic limbs, just as you helped me walk again.”
Australians want action
Recent polling commissioned by Caritas Australia and other leading humanitarian organisations shows that the vast majority of Australians believe aid to Gaza must be allowed through:
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82% of Australian voters think that blocking food, medicine, and water from civilians in Gaza is unjustified.
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67% believe the Australian Government should do more to ensure civilians have access to life-saving aid.
These figures come after an 11-week near-total aid blockade plunged more than two million people into crisis levels of hunger, with famine looming.
Holding governments accountable
Caritas Australia and our humanitarian partners are calling on the Australian Government to:
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Demand an immediate and permanent ceasefire
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Publicly denounce violations of international humanitarian law
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Join international allies in taking stronger action to stop the denial of humanitarian assistance
“What is taking place in Gaza is an extreme level of suffering that simply cannot be accepted. Failing to uphold international humanitarian law strikes at the heart of human dignity.” – Kirsten Sayers, CEO, Caritas Australia
How you can help today
The people of Gaza have suffered enough. Every day, children are learning how to walk again, not just because of physical therapy or prosthetics, but because people like you chose to give.
Your gift can contribute towards a prosthetic limb for an amputee in Gaza. You can help restore hope.
