A recent report by Human Rights Watch (HRW) has underscored the grave and disproportionate impact of Israeli military actions on children with disabilities in Gaza. According to the HRW release, the violations of humanitarian law include military strikes on hospitals, restrictions on humanitarian aid, and a 16-year blockade on the Gaza Strip.
HRW asserts that these unlawful conditions make survival particularly arduous for disabled children, who often require unique or additional support. The ongoing shortages of essential supplies—food, water, medical items, power, and fuel—exacerbate their vulnerability. Furthermore, Israeli airstrikes continue to create more children with disabilities, many of whom are left without parents, further straining the already scarce resources.
The report highlights that military strikes against non-combatant civilians are prohibited by international humanitarian law, regardless of the presence of combatants among them. Despite this, Israel regularly targets civilian areas. For example, a recent report by NBC News indicated that there were 94 attacks on healthcare facilities by both Israel and Hamas in just the first week following October 7th, 2023. Disabled children, due to their physical limitations, often cannot quickly follow last-minute evacuation orders, making them even more susceptible to harm.
Blockades, under international humanitarian law, are only lawful if they allow civilian access to essential goods. Israel’s continued blockade has denied Gaza’s civilian population access to necessary goods like food, clean water, and medical supplies, critically affecting disabled children and their families. The blockade has resulted in “1.1 million people, half of Gaza, experiencing catastrophic food insecurity.”
Additionally, under customary international law, combatants must allow humanitarian aid unimpeded access to civilians in conflict areas, a requirement outlined in Rule 55. Israel has consistently restricted aid to Gaza, not only by closing and limiting land corridor traffic but also by targeting aid workers in military operations. These restrictions and attacks leave many disabled children orphaned and desperately in need of the support provided by humanitarian organizations.
HRW has called for the international community to cease supplying arms to Israel until it begins to adhere to the laws of war and international humanitarian law.
Read the full HRW report here.