Attachments
Key Messages
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An immediate ceasefire and full, safe, and unimpeded humanitarian access are critical to ensure that all affected people can be reached and can receive urgently needed basic services and assistance.
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The unconditional release of all hostages must take place immediately.
While they continue to be held hostage, access should be granted for the delivery of necessary medical treatment, particularly for older hostages who have pre-existing health conditions. -
The approximately 111,500 older people in Gaza are among the most at risk of hunger, dehydration, illness, injury, and death.
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Older people in Gaza were already living with the long-term impact of conflict and displacement, with reduced access to essential health and social services.
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Older people develop resilience, coping skills and capacities over the course of conflicts which enable them to play valuable roles within their communities; however, in Gaza they are being pushed to their limit.
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Despite evacuation orders to move to “safer” areas, older people may be unwilling or unable to move from their homes or local areas.
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Emergency shelters are not designed to accommodate the huge numbers of people now staying in them and are inadequate to meet the needs of older people, many of whom may require support to manage chronic health issues and disabilities.
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Violence against women has no age limit. For women of all ages on the move and living in the emergency shelters, there is an increased risk of violence, exploitation, and abuse.
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Older people are disproportionality affected by non-communicable diseases. With hospitals damaged and medication in short supply, they are likely to be severely impacted.
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As the population is Gaza faces crisis levels of hunger, accessing food will be extremely challenging for older people, with older women in particular facing security and protection related obstacles.