Gaza: Assistant undersecretary of the Ministry of Social Development in the Gaza Strip, Riyad Al Bitar, stated that Israel's ongoing military actions, which began on October 7, 2023, have led to a significant increase in the number of orphans, now estimated to be around 64,000.
According to Qatar News Agency, According to Qatar News Agency (QNA), Al Bitar highlighted the severe humanitarian crisis that these children face, urging for immediate intervention to address their dire conditions. Before the conflict, the number of orphans in Gaza was approximately 17,000, a figure that has surged dramatically as hostilities continue.
Al Bitar detailed that the war has resulted in 64,616 children becoming orphans, with 55,157 of them losing their primary breadwinner. The Gaza Governorate is the most affected, housing 21,125 orphans, which accounts for 32.7 percent of all orphans in the region.
On the occasion of Arab Orphan Day, observed on April 1, Al Bitar emphasized the unprecedented humanitarian challenges faced by Gaza's orphans, which include displacement, loss of shelter, disrupted access to healthcare and education, and severe shortages of essential supplies. He called for local and international organizations to provide urgent aid, focusing on financial support, rebuilding infrastructure, and psychological care.
Moreover, Al Bitar reported a rise in the number of widowed women in Gaza, which has reached 47,019. He described these figures as indicative of the extensive humanitarian and social impacts of the conflict. The number of widows has climbed from 20,649 before the conflict to 26,370 in its wake.
The geographic distribution of these cases varies, with Gaza Governorate bearing the brunt at 37.8 percent, followed by North Gaza at 22.5 percent, Khan Younis at 18.3 percent, central Gaza at 13.2 percent, and Rafah at 8.2 percent. Most widows are within the productive age group of 19-59 years, highlighting the added social and legal responsibilities required to support them.
Despite constrained resources, the Ministry of Social Development has initiated an urgent response plan, incorporating development and relief programs. This includes home-based projects, cash-for-work schemes, vocational training, psychological support, monthly food aid, regular financial assistance, educational programs, legal protection, and the creation of educational centers and shelter camps.