Shellshocked, attacked, left to die – this is the reality for #DisabledPeople in #Gaza.

When evacuation orders were issued in the north, initially in October last year, many #PeopleWithDisabilities could not flee – and their families refused to leave them behind. Those who could escape were packed like luggage into cars, carts or minibuses. Assistance devices, such as wheelchairs, canes, crutches and medical equipment often had to be left behind. Hearing aids, eyeglasses, adaptive toilet seats and incontinence pads were destroyed or lost.

Most #AssistiveDevices are not being included in the minimal #HumanitarianAid coming into Gaza. The Israelis have declared certain spare parts and batteries for these devices dangerous, so-called dual use items – saying they could be used for military purposes. Without wheelchairs, canes, walkers, splints and prosthetics, people with disabilities are struggling to survive, left isolated, with no independence or sense of autonomy or dignity. There is no liquid food or #DisabilityInclusive feeding equipment, like feeding tubes or adaptive utensils. The #psychological torture of feeling like a burden is #unbearable and #degrading.

https://amp.theguardian.com/commentisfree/article/2024/jul/19/disabled-people-gaza-cerebral-palsy