The Turkish Red Crescent has launched a prosthesis and orthotics support project in Gaza to help people who lost limbs during the conflict, with a 24-year-old man who lost his right leg in a 2024 bombardment becoming its first beneficiary.
The project is being carried out in coordination with hospitals and rehabilitation centers in Gaza, where thousands of people have suffered severe injuries resulting in amputations during nearly two years of hostilities.
Gaza has one of the world's highest rates of conflict-related amputations. International organizations have also raised concerns about the large number of children who have lost limbs, while shortages of medical supplies, specialized personnel and prosthetic materials have severely limited access to rehabilitation.
The first beneficiary, Udey Abu Verde, underwent measurements and medical assessments before receiving a custom-made below-knee prosthesis.
Abu Verde said he had spent about a year struggling to move independently and perform basic daily tasks.
“Before the prosthesis was fitted, my life was very difficult. I could not walk and could not manage anything on my own,” he said. “Now I will be able to walk and meet all my needs. I will not be dependent on anyone.”
He added that the support would allow him to regain a sense of normalcy after his injury.
“Thanks to the support of the Turkish Red Crescent, I will continue my life as I did before the injury,” Abu Verde said.
The prosthesis initiative is part of the Turkish Red Crescent's broader humanitarian response in Gaza, which includes medical assistance, food, clean water and other essential services.
As temperatures rise and access to clean water remains difficult, the organization has begun distributing 100 tons of clean water daily. It is also continuing hygiene assistance, with priority given to women and children.
The Turkish Red Crescent's soup kitchens remain operational across northern, central and southern Gaza, providing about 30,000 hot meals each day. Since the start of the crisis in October 2023, the kitchens have distributed more than 17 million meals, according to the organization.
Its wider humanitarian work also includes support for health facilities, psychosocial assistance, orphan care, cash aid and infrastructure rehabilitation, in coordination with the Palestinian Red Crescent Society.
The new prosthesis program is aimed at restoring mobility and independence for amputees in a territory where access to specialized rehabilitation remains severely constrained.
More beneficiaries are expected as the program expands through local hospitals and rehabilitation partners.
