Heba Hagrass, Special Rapporteur on the rights of persons with disabilities, and Francesca Albanese, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territory occupied since 1967, issued an urgent warning on September 16, 2025 regarding the possible catastrophic consequences for persons with disabilities in Gaza city following Israel’s offensive. Indeed, the two experts stated: “People with disabilities in Gaza are totally exhausted and traumatised. They face extreme difficulties fleeing – some people with mobility impairments are forced to crawl through rubble or be dragged on mattresses, while others face barriers in accessing information”.

Persons with disabilities, prior to October 2023, were already disproportionately affected by poverty. With the lack (and increased price) of essential supplies, medical equipment and assistive aids entering Gaza city, the dangerous distribution points and the destruction of critical infrastructure, persons with disabilities are at a grave risk of “death, injury, starvation, dehydration, violence and exploitation”. For example, the two experts have stated that no wheelchairs have been allowed into Gaza since early 2025, the price of adult diapers have seen a near 3000% increase in price, and older persons with disabilities have lost access to mobility aids and medical treatments. While local disability organisations continue their tireless efforts to provide life-saving support, they have reached maximum capacity and the needs of persons with disabilities surpass their capacity.

The number of persons with disabilities has skyrocketed since October 2023. As of the 8th of September 2025, 163,096 Palestinians have been injured, with over 25% expected to live with life-long impairments, requiring access to rehabilitation and other forms of support. Data shows that Gaza has the largest number of child amputees in the world, alongside “rising numbers of individuals with hearing and visual impairments, mental health and psychosocial support needs”.

The experts underline the legal obligations the State of Israel must uphold, including article 11 of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the UNSC resolution 2475 on the protection of persons with disabilities in situations of armed conflict. 

Lastly, Heba Hagrass and Francesca Albanese stated “The genocide we are witnessing in Gaza is also a campaign of disablement – of people, resources, and infrastructure – to annihilate Palestinian life in Gaza”.