Shattered wholeness: Trauma,amputation,and the struggle for dignity in Gaza

Abstract

Amputation has become a defining injury of the genocide in Gaza, leaving thousands of civilians with permanent disabilities and shattered lives. This study explores the physical, social, and psychological impacts of conflict-related limb loss in Gaza. Thirty male amputees in Rafah’s displaced camps were interviewed between January and March 2025. Thematic analysis revealed six key themes: Initial shock and pain; medical neglect; hunger and malnutrition; displacement and mobility barriers; loss of economic and social roles; and psychological trauma. Participants described how limited access to medical care, prosthetics, and proper nutrition, worsened by repeated displacement, exacerbated physical complications, and disrupted personal identity. Despite adversity, accounts of peer support and community solidarity highlighted resilience. The study calls for integrated rehabilitation programs that address not only physical recovery but also psychosocial support, economic reintegration, and the restoration of dignity and belonging among amputees in Gaza.