:Gaza- Nawa Network- Filastiniyat
In the chaos of war and mass displacement, one of the most overlooked groups in Gaza is the elderly those who once carried their families and communities, now struggling to survive in tents and overcrowded shelters. As bombs destroy homes and healthcare systems collapse, Gaza’s elderly face severe physical and emotional hardship. Chronic illnesses go untreated, food is often inappropriate for their medical needs, and sanitary conditions are dire, especially for those with mobility issues.
Elderly women are particularly vulnerable. Many have lost access to hygiene products, privacy, and basic health services. They are forced to live in conditions that strip them of their dignity, unable to walk long distances to reach toilets or health centers, and dependent on others for their daily needs.
Mervat Al-Shaer, a 70-year-old woman, now lives in a school-turned-shelter in Deir al-Balah after her home was destroyed. She suffers from diabetes and arthritis and finds it nearly impossible to move through the crowded corridors of the shelter. Without proper medication and nutritious food, her health is rapidly declining. “We are alive, but not really living,” she says, her eyes filled with sorrow and exhaustion.
Mohammed Abu Ghaleb, 75, shares a tent in Al-Maghazi with his wife and grandson. He has a heart condition and previously used a CPAP machine for sleep apnea something he no longer has access to. Just reaching the nearest bathroom is a daily challenge. “I wake up at night gasping for air,” he says, “but there is no hospital, no electricity, no help.”
In Al-Nuseirat, 80-year-old Soumaya Al-Najjar lies motionless in her tent. She lost her wheelchair during her family’s frantic evacuation and hasn’t been able to move since. Her grandchildren try their best to care for her, but without a proper bed, clean clothes, or her regular medication, her situation worsens daily. “She’s fading before our eyes,” her granddaughter whispers.
These are not isolated stories. Thousands of elderly people across Gaza are living similar realities cut off from healthcare, food, and mobility aids. While humanitarian efforts often focus on children and families, the needs of the elderly are rarely prioritized. Yet they, too, are victims of war, bearing the pain of displacement while quietly mourning the loss of their homes, independence, and loved ones.
Despite their suffering, Gaza’s elderly remain symbols of resilience. Their presence in families and shelters offers strength and wisdom, even as their own strength fades. They deserve more than survival they deserve dignity, care, and recognition.
As the crisis deepens, it is essential for aid organizations and decision-makers to include elderly voices in relief planning. Providing them with specialized medical care, mobility assistance, and safe, accessible shelters is not a luxury it is a basic human right.
