Gaza Ministry Reports Widespread Social Crisis After 3 Years of War

The Ministry of Social Affairs in Gaza announced that 71,846 children have lost one or both parents during the three years of war in the Gaza Strip. The ministry warned of increasing risks of poverty, school dropout, exploitation, and neglect facing these children. In a statement released on Wednesday, marking the third anniversary of the war's commencement, the ministry described the situation as a deep humanitarian and social catastrophe with far-reaching impacts on children, widows, the elderly, people with disabilities, and poor families.

According to the ministry's figures, 64,413 women are now widows, and approximately 86,000 families are female-headed, reflecting deteriorating living and economic conditions. The elderly population stands at 118,876, facing difficulties accessing medication, healthcare, and shelter. Additionally, 16,963 individuals have disabilities, alongside thousands of injured and amputees requiring rehabilitation and prosthetic services.

The ministry reported that 258,927 displaced families are residing in 2,090 shelters. Over 1.2 million people are experiencing crisis levels or worse of food insecurity, and 530,000 families are registered with the National Relief system.

The ministry emphasized the need to transition from temporary relief to a sustainable social protection system, including cash support, food, healthcare, education, rehabilitation, and psychological support. It called on the international community to halt the war, open crossings, ensure the entry of humanitarian aid, medical supplies, and shelter necessities, and provide sustainable funding for orphans and families who have lost their breadwinners. The ministry stressed the urgency of a social recovery plan to rebuild social safety nets in Gaza and address the escalating needs of war-affected populations.