Marking the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, HI releases the report « Always Included: Uninterrupted education for children with disabilities before, during, and after a crisis ».

The world we live in is increasingly marked by multiple and simultaneous shocks, recurring and protracted crises, and the impact of climate change.

Globally, some 72 million children are out of school because of emergencies and protracted crises. Of these, at least 17% are children with disabilities.

Humanity & Inclusion – Handicap International welcomes the extension of the ceasefire between the Hamas and Israel. While we acknowledge this additional temporary respite coming after a four-days ceasefire, we urgently call for a lasting and comprehensive ceasefire to address the pressing needs of people in the Gaza Strip, with a particular focus on those with injuries, disabilities and physical impairments who face unique challenges in accessing crucial medical treatment and assistance. In parallel, all civilian hostages should be immediately released without conditions.

HI and partners have distributed aid to more than 3,500 people since October 7 in Gaza.

Since October 7 and the escalation of violence between Israel and Hamas, around 14,500 people were killed and more than 27,000 were injured in Gaza by continuous bombing by Israeli forces. Israel’s retaliatory response come after a massive attack launched by Hamas on October 7, killing 1,200 Israelis and taking hostage 240 Israelis and foreign nationals.

HI has released a new report, “Attacks on healthcare and Impacts on Physical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Services in Gaza” showing that the healthcare system in Gaza has completely collapsed following massive and systematic bombing by Israeli forces. HI is calling for an immediate ceasefire and for the protection of health facilities and personnel by all parties to the conflict.

> Download the complete report in PDF

HI has released on 6 November 2023 a new report, “Impact of explosive weapons in Gaza”, which reiterates the need for an immediate ceasefire due to the dramatic impact of armed violence on civilians since the start of hostilities in the Gaza Strip and Israel.

HI rehabilitation specialist Reham Shaheen lives in the Gaza Strip. She talks to us about the situation and the threat posed to civilians by recent events.

Sharaf Al Faqawi and Haytham Abusabet, members of HI’s team in Gaza, describe their daily lives since the escalation of the conflict.

Hamas attacks and Israeli reprisals are having a devastating impact on civilians. Some 1,400 people have already lost their lives in Israel according to the Israeli authorities, and more than 4,600 people in Gaza according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health. Of the 1.4 million people displaced within the Gaza Strip, around 580,000 are housed in 150 UNRWA Designated Emergency Shelters (DES).

The attacks by Hamas and retaliation by Israel have a devastating impact on civilians. 1,400 people have lost their lives in Israel; more than 3,000 in Gaza.

Present in Palestine since 1996, HI is responding to the emergency. The organisation has started to distribute essential goods to families displaced by the violence and is ready to provide rehabilitation and psychosocial support.

Urgent plea to avert unprecedented humanitarian crisis amid looming Israeli land incursion into Gaza.

The recent attacks by Hamas and retaliation by Israel are having a devastating impact on civilians. At least 1,300 people have lost their lives in Israel, and 1,400 in Gaza. HI, present in Palestine since 1996, is preparing an emergency response.

HI Country Manager for Palestine, Danila Zizi, describes the catastrophic humanitarian situation.