How elderly Palestinians suffer daily because of Gaza crisis

In the aftermath of relentless Israeli airstrikes devastating neighborhoods in Gaza, the plight of elderly Palestinians has come to the forefront, showcasing their struggle for survival amidst war-torn chaos.

Once a vibrant gathering place for family celebrations, the courtyard of Um Ihab’s family home in Jabalya, northern Gaza, now stands barren, stripped of its citrus trees and festive decorations.

Last winter, an Israeli airstrike reduced their home to rubble, forcing at least 30 members of the Ihab family to flee their multi-generational residence.

They now find themselves confined to a cramped tent in a displacement shelter in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza, battling scarcity of food and water.

Um Ihab, speaking to CNN in February, lamented the loss of their cherished land and the stability it once provided. “The land was swept away,” she recounted. “Not even one tree stayed up.”

As the conflict in Gaza extends into its sixth month, international organizations and human rights advocates are urgently calling for a humanitarian ceasefire.

The toll of Israel’s military offensive is staggering, with at least 33,091 Palestinians killed and another 75,750 injured, according to Gaza’s Ministry of Health.

Amidst this devastation, older Gazans, numbering approximately 111,500, face heightened risks of hunger, illness, and death, reports HelpAge International.

The displacement resulting from Israel’s offensive has uprooted an estimated 1.7 million Palestinians, overwhelming makeshift shelters and exacerbating the suffering of elderly residents.

Um Ihab’s husband, who had previously battled health issues, succumbed to malnutrition within the confines of their tented refuge. His tragic story reflects a broader reality of elderly Palestinians grappling with inadequate medical care and dire living conditions.

Even before the recent escalation in violence, Gaza’s elderly population faced profound challenges accessing essential services, exacerbated by Israel’s longstanding blockade.

The blockade has contributed to widespread poverty and health disparities, with the majority of older Palestinians reporting anxiety and living with disabilities.

As the conflict rages on, the plight of Gaza’s elderly underscores the urgent need for international intervention to alleviate humanitarian suffering and restore hope to a population caught in the crossfire of geopolitical tensions.