Life in Gaza ‘Extraordinarily Difficult’ For the Disabled - HRW

By Staff, Agencies

People with disabilities can face an “extraordinarily difficult” life in the Gaza Strip due to the ‘Israeli’ blockade, Human Rights Watch [HRW] warned Thursday.

Two million Palestinians live in the poverty and conflict-plagued enclave wedged between the ‘Israeli’ occupation regime, Egypt and the Mediterranean Sea.

In a report released on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, HRW said the 2007 blockade the Zionist entity imposed on the territory following Hamas resistance movement’s rise to power had “robbed people with disabilities in Gaza of their freedom of movement.”

Emina Cerimovic, senior researcher in HRW’s disability rights division, said the ‘Israeli’ control of Gaza’s eastern border had also impaired “access to the devices, electricity, and technology they need to communicate or leave their homes.”

The Zionist regime limits the entry into Gaza of goods and controls the flow of fuel needed to power the enclave’s sole electricity plant.

The report noted the impact of recurring power cuts on people with disabilities who need light to communicate through sign language, or electric lifts or scooters to get around.

The United Nations has marked International Day of Persons with Disabilities on December 3 every year since 1992.