Gaza Ministry: More Than 71,000 Children Have Lost a Parent During the War

DID Press: More than 71,000 children in the Gaza Strip have lost one or both parents since the war began, according to figures released by Gaza’s Ministry of Social Development.

The ministry said the number of children who have lost a parent or both parents has reached 71,846, highlighting the war’s far-reaching social and humanitarian consequences. The figures were reported on Wednesday as the third anniversary of the conflict was being marked.

The ministry also reported 64,413 widows in Gaza and said about 86,000 households are now headed by women, representing nearly one-quarter of all families in the territory. UN agencies have separately reported a similar figure, estimating that women head about 86,000 households in Gaza following the disruption of family structures since October 2023.

According to the ministry, some 118,876 older people are facing difficult conditions caused by repeated displacement, loss of homes and limited access to healthcare, medicines and treatment.

The ministry put the number of patients and people with disabilities at 16,963. It said the rise in severe injuries and amputations has increased the need for rehabilitation services, physiotherapy, prosthetic limbs and assistive equipment.

Meanwhile, 258,927 displaced families are living in 2,090 shelters across the Gaza Strip, according to the ministry. It said the shelters face serious shortages of essential supplies and adequate facilities.

The figures come amid continuing humanitarian concerns in Gaza. The United Nations has reported that repeated displacement, inadequate shelter and restricted access to essential services continue to place significant pressure on civilians, particularly women and vulnerable groups.