The Palestinian NGOs Network (PNGO) has released a fact sheet titled "The Elderly... the Hidden Victims of the War on Gaza", highlighting the severe conditions faced by elderly persons in the Gaza Strip since the onset of the Israeli assault in October 2023.

The paper outlines the immense humanitarian, health, and psychological suffering experienced by more than 106,000 persons aged 60 and above. It states that elderly persons are among the most vulnerable groups in Gaza, with over 3,500 elderly persons killed since the start of the war. Additionally, more than 96% of them suffer from chronic diseases amid a critical shortage of essential medications and medical supplies, along with a lack of specialized care.

The paper also emphasizes the catastrophic effects of forced displacement and the destruction of care centers, including the targeting of Al-Wafa Elderly Care Center, which has intensified the suffering of elderly persons. They remain largely excluded from humanitarian response and intervention plans.

The paper calls for the urgent inclusion of older persons in all emergency and humanitarian response strategies, the provision of immediate medical and psychological support, and the unimpeded entry of medications and assistive devices through border crossings.

This paper forms part of PNGO’s broader efforts to shed light on marginalized groups during crises and to support data-driven humanitarian interventions grounded in real needs.