Israel’s 13-year closure of the Gaza Strip, along with neglect by Hamas authorities, significantly encumbered the lived experiences of tens of thousands of Palestinians with disabilities. Electricity shortages often leave Gaza residents without electricity for 9 to 14 hours per day. These restrictions affect the entire population but have a disproportionate impact on persons with disabilities. They may not only be confined to their homes but may also be prevented from fleeing during fighting.
Some Gaza residents reported in 2019 that they were unable to charge their scooters, trapping them in their homes. Even if their wheelchairs or other mobility devices were working, they often cannot leave their homes or access other buildings due to a lack of ramps and elevators.
Others reported obstacles to access to assistive devices, such as wheelchairs and hearing aids, largely due to Israeli import restrictions, shortfalls in local authorities’ and aid groups’ provision of necessary devices, and a lack of expertise in Gaza to repair damaged assistive devices.
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