Meeting the Need for Reconstructive Surgery in Palestine (2025-2026)

The war in Palestine has decimated an already burdened healthcare system and simultaneously increased the need for surgical procedures. In the current acute phase of conflict, surgical needs are focused on life-saving measures, such as trauma surgery for penetrating wounds, amputations of severe extremity injuries and wound management to prevent sepsis. In less acute phases of conflict, reconstructive surgical needs can be life-altering for those disfigured by war, but they are both difficult to provide and often overlooked by international aid agencies.

Building on the work of the 2024-2025 project team, this team investigated a coordinated approach to the problem of providing reconstructive surgery in Palestine after the acute phase of conflict built on strong multi-organizational partnerships.

The team divided into three subteams to investigate different aspects of the problem.

Subteam 1 finalized a draft of an infrastructure and capacity assessment tool for reconstructive surgery in conflict settings. The tool was taken through two rounds of iterations with guidance from an international panel of experts. Preparation for round three of testing and a manuscript are underway.