Human Rights Watch (HRW) issued a statement on the occasion of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (PWD), stating that “Israel’s 13-year closure of the Gaza Strip along with neglect by Hamas authorities, significantly encumber the day-to-day life of tens of thousands of Palestinians with disabilities.” Human Rights Watch pointed out that the episodes of armed conflict have compounded the barriers that people with disabilities face, which include lack of accessibility of public spaces and widespread stigma. The organization noted that the chronic power outages, in particular, jeopardize the rights of many people with disabilities who need light to communicate using sign language, or need equipment powered by electricity to move, including elevators and electric mobility scooters. To check the news, click here