In brief
With around 94,000 injured due to the war in Gaza, innovative prosthetic limbs from Jordanian doctors using UK technology are providing much-needed relief. These solutions facilitate faster fittings and healing, granting amputees like Rizeq Tafish and young Diya al-Adini the chance to regain their independence and pursue their dreams.
In the wake of devastating injuries inflicted by the ongoing conflict in Gaza, thousands are left with life-altering amputations. Among them is Rizeq Tafish, a blacksmith who lost his leg due to Israeli tank fire. He is now among the first recipients of advanced prosthetic limbs designed by Jordanian doctors using state-of-the-art British technology. “Before, I felt sadness and despair. Now, I feel happiness and freedom,” Rizeq said, grinning as he took his first steps on a new prosthetic leg at a mobile clinic in Rafah.The war, which has lasted over a year, has left at least 94,000 people injured, with over 24,000 experiencing severe, life-changing injuries requiring amputations and other critical interventions. Evacuations for medical treatment have become exceedingly difficult, and as a result, rehabilitation services in Gaza are in grave disarray. With only 12% of necessary medical equipment available, the availability of prosthetics has come as a welcome relief.A new rehabilitation initiative serves to provide advanced, speedy prosthetic solutions. The innovative design allows for quick fittings, taking as little as one to two hours. “Its main feature is fast manufacturing,” explained Lt Abdullah Hamada, a Jordanian army doctor involved in the program. Each limb costs approximately $1,400, and support from Jordanian charities and state funding is crucial for this initiative's sustainability.In addition to Rizeq, other victims, including young children like sisters Hanan and Misk al-Doubri, are finding glimmers of hope. At just three years and 18 months old, they lost their mother and limbs in an airstrike on their home. Meanwhile, teens like Diya al-Adini struggle with their new realities. Once a budding photographer, Diya lost both arms in a bombing and now relies on his sister to capture photos for him. Immensely hopeful, he looks forward to receiving prosthetic arms that would help him reclaim his passion.As Rizeq navigates his adjustment to life with a prosthetic limb, hope shines brightly for amputees across Gaza. “I want to forget the period when I was without my legs and start again,” he shared, wanting to embrace his family and reclaim his identity. With determination and support, many like Rizeq are learning to cope with their new disabilities while taking empowering steps toward a brighter future.
