Research by HelpAge International and Amnesty International reveals a growing health crisis among older people in Gaza, largely forgotten amidst ongoing conflict. Erika Guevara-Rosas, Amnesty’s Senior Director, emphasizes that the needs of elderly individuals are often neglected during wartime. She points out that older residents face severe physical and mental health challenges due to harsh living conditions created by conflict.
A recent study involving 416 older people in Gaza paints a grim picture. Nearly 80% reported being displaced multiple times since October 2023, severely disrupting their access to family support and essential healthcare. With chronic health issues going untreated, many are suffering from a lack of nutrition and hydration, which affects all Palestinians in the region.
Moreover, mental health concerns are alarming. About 77% of the participants reported feeling sad, anxious, or lonely. One 90-year-old resident shared, “War has stripped away dignity, leaving me dependent and unseen.”
Women and individuals with disabilities are particularly affected. Women reported more health problems and faced greater difficulties in daily tasks, while those with disabilities encountered barriers in accessing aid and medication.
The UN Refugee Agency (UNRWA) has previously highlighted the vulnerabilities of older individuals during conflicts. They reported in June 2025 that many elders struggle due to insufficient food, shelter, and healthcare, reinforcing their critical role in Palestinian society as community leaders and bearers of cultural history.
This crisis is compounded by severe restrictions on aid, with many organizations warning that these conditions could qualify as war crimes. Guevara-Rosas urges for an immediate lifting of the blockade to facilitate essential aid to those in desperate need. The situation calls for urgent attention and action to protect one of the most vulnerable populations in Gaza.
For more details on the ongoing situation, visit Amnesty International and HelpAge International.
