Gazans mark Intl. Day of Persons with Disabilities

Ashraf Shannon 
Press TV, Gaza

Scores of disabled people and their families in the Gaza Strip came out to mark the International Day of Disabled Persons. 

They held a sit-in front of the Ministry Of Social Development to mark the annual international event. The Palestinian Non-Governmental Organizations Network which organized the event accused the Israeli regime of deliberately targeting civilians including people with disabilities during the recent war on the Gaza Strip.

Last May Israeli regime forces killed hundreds of innocent civilians including women and children during the wanton bombing of thousands of buildings in the blockaded enclave.

Currently there are more than fifty thousand disabled persons in the blockaded coastal enclave. Thousands of Palestinians in the impoverished territory became disabled during four Israeli wars since 2008.

Scores more also suffered permanent disabilities during the 2018 Great March of Return peaceful rallies against the Israeli occupation.

During the last offensive Israeli forces injured over 2,200 Palestinians, including 685 children and 480 women, some of whom may suffer a long-term disability.

The Israeli blockade in place since 2007 has made it even worse for disabled Gazans who require rehabilitation and artificial limbs.

Experts say thousands of Palestinians in the besieged enclave have suffered from various disabilities in recent years due to Israel’s use of internationally banned weapons against the civilian population.

Press TV’s website can also be accessed at the following alternate addresses:

www.presstv.ir