Gaza's children lose limbs to war, facing a lifetime of pain

The war in Gaza has devastated children's lives more than anyone else's. The number of children wounded in bombing and airstrikes keeps rising, and humanitarian organisations say many of them have lost an arm or a leg permanently. Children who until yesterday ran around playing fields and played with friends are now being treated in hospital beds.

At an age meant for play and school, these children's entire lives have changed. Some have lost an arm or a leg forever, making ordinary things like walking, writing, playing and going to school a huge challenge for them.

It is not just the physical injuries. These children are also going through deep psychological trauma. Having lost a part of their body, they now face the struggle of trying to live a normal life again. Many of them have watched their homes, family members or friends destroyed in the war right before their eyes.

In such circumstances, along with treatment, there is also a great need for psychological support. But Gaza's health system remains under constant strain, so it is not certain that every injured child will get the treatment they need.

The road ahead is even harder for children who have lost limbs. They need prosthetic limbs, physiotherapy and long-term rehabilitation. As they grow, these prosthetic limbs also need to be changed from time to time.

Even after the war ends, these children's struggle will not be over. It may take them a long time to learn to walk, write and adjust to everyday life again.

The condition of these innocent children in Gaza is a chilling reminder of the human cost of war. Hands that should have held toys now need treatment and rehabilitation instead.