Gaza Strip: Forgotten Seniors
2.07.2025
Reading time
2 minutes
A humanitarian disaster continues in Gaza. Over 56,000 Palestinians have died in airstrikes and bombings, and more than 90% of homes are damaged or destroyed. Elderly people, often with chronic illnesses, are in a particularly dire situation. According to The Lancet, indirect deaths—due to lack of access to medicine and healthcare—may number in the tens of thousands.
Though only 5% of Gaza’s population is over 60, they are highly vulnerable. Limited mobility and illness often prevent them from evacuating, increasing their risk of death in attacks (7% of casualties). However, most elderly deaths result from indirect causes, like untreated chronic diseases.
– In past wars like Iraq or South Sudan, indirect deaths far exceeded those caused by direct violence – says Ewa Piekarska-Dymus of Polish Medical Mission – This mainly affects the elderly. Conditions manageable in peace become deadly in war.
Gaza’s healthcare system is near collapse. Less than half of hospitals function, and drug shortages and staff exhaustion leave thousands without care. Polish doctors continue to serve in al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir al-Balah.
– Elderly patients with chronic diseases or scheduled treatments get no care—doctors focus on emergency trauma cases – adds Małgorzata Olasińska-Chart of Polish Medical Mission.
According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, at least 56,156 Palestinians have been killed since the conflict escalated—31% are children, 7% seniors. On the Israeli side, over 1,600 people have died, about half civilians, mostly from the October 7, 2023 attack.
