Global Affairs Canada commits $2 million in funding for prosthetics in Gaza
Why It Matters
The commitment by Global Affairs Canada signals strong international recognition of the crisis in Gaza and a commitment to long-term support. However, blockades are still preventing help from flowing freely into the area, and organizers say the program will shut down in a few months if blockades aren’t lifted.
A new humanitarian project funded by Global Affairs Canada could provide desperately needed prosthetics to thousands of people in the Gaza Strip.
The 12-month project, spearheaded by Humanity and Inclusion (HI) Canada, will help address the urgent need of thousands of Gazans who require rehabilitation services.
More than 6,000 prosthetic limbs were reportedly needed as of June 1, 2025, according to HI Canada.
Gaza has the highest rate of child amputees per capita in the world, with an unprecedented number of violent and traumatic events since October 2023.
Global Affairs Canada will provide $2 million to support about 8,000 people in Gaza City and the neighbouring city of Khan Younis.
Funding partners are selected based on their proven experience, technical and logistical capacity, past performance, and ability to deliver assistance, according to Global Affairs Canada.
“Canada continues to call for the guarantee of safe and unimpeded access for humanitarian organizations, including the opening of all crossings, the rapid approval of customs clearances and all humanitarian goods into Gaza, and the issuance of long-term visas for aid workers,” a spokesperson for Global Affairs Canada said.
Heba Bashir is a humanitarian worker who has been a prosthetics specialist in the Gaza Strip for nine years.
She said she is one of only nine prosthetics and orthotics technicians in the Gaza Strip.
“I have witnessed firsthand the urgent and the growing need for this service, especially due to the dire humanitarian situation and the large number of people living with disabilities,” said Bashir.
In October 2023, Israel announced a “total blockade” on food, water, medicine, fuel and electricity. It later eased some restrictions, before re-intensifying its siege of the Gaza Strip in recent months.
According to Bashir, HI brought prosthetics and devices from France in December of 2024 with the help of international partners.
After many forced evacuations, the organization has set up a temporary prosthetic office in a playground area.
“We continue to utilize this material to provide essential service to people here with a mutation and lower limbs,” she said.
“At the same time, we remain for the arrival of additional shipments. We try to do our best to procure some material from inside Gaza Strip.”
However, if the blockade isn’t lifted, she said they’ll be forced to suspend their services within a few months due to a shortage of materials.
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