Gaza, Palestine (HRNW)- The Gaza Center for Human Rights has reported that over 1,700 individuals have lost their eyesight, with thousands more at risk of permanent blindness due to eye injuries caused by Israeli military attacks. The center expressed serious concern over the blockade on essential medical equipment and treatment for eye injuries, which has worsened the humanitarian crisis.
According to the center, the Israeli military deliberately targeted civilians, including direct strikes to the eyes and the use of shrapnel and explosive projectiles designed to cause eye injuries. The report highlights that during 25 months of conflict, nearly 5,000 people are at risk of losing vision due to lack of timely medical care.
Hospitals in Gaza have been severely affected, with generators, surgical equipment, and medicines destroyed, leaving limited capacity to treat ocular injuries. This has resulted in increased eye pressure, corneal damage, retinal injury, and cataracts, threatening permanent blindness.
Dr. Eyad Abu Karsh, head of surgery and anesthesia at Gaza’s Eye Hospital, stated that from January 2024 to September 2025, 2,077 patients with eye injuries visited the hospital. However, this number represents only 5% of total eye injuries in northern Gaza, indicating the true scale is much higher. Among the visually impaired, 42% are men, 28% women, and 30% children.
The report also notes that women and children were disproportionately affected, often while attempting to reach humanitarian aid centers, suggesting deliberate targeting of civilians.
Sheikh Hamad Rehabilitation and Prosthetics Hospital has reported an unprecedented rise in amputations, with the need for artificial limbs far exceeding current capacity. Ahmed Naeem, a hospital spokesperson, warned that at current production rates, meeting the prosthetic needs could take more than two decades. The hospital currently cannot produce more than 150 artificial limbs annually, leaving thousands without essential medical support.
The situation underscores the devastating impact of the ongoing war on health and human rights in Gaza, with civilians, especially children, bearing the brunt of injuries and long-term disabilities.
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