In Gaza today, suffering is not limited to the loss of shelter or food, but extends to one of the most vulnerable parts of society: childhood. Thousands of children have been left without a mother or father, facing emotional, psychological, and social emptiness. These orphans are confronted with an uncertain future, burdened with responsibilities far beyond their age.

The Scale of the Crisis: Shocking Numbers

  • According to Gaza’s Ministry of Health, over 36,500 children have lost one parent since the beginning of the war, and nearly 1,900 have lost both parents.
  • Source: Anadolu Agency
  • UNICEF estimated that at least 17,000 children are now unaccompanied or separated from their families.
  • Source: UNICEF
  • Al Jazeera described the situation as the largest orphan crisis in modern history.
  • Source: Al Jazeera

Root Causes of the Orphan Crisis

War and Direct Attacks

Relentless airstrikes and bombardments have killed thousands of parents, leaving children without caregivers.

Source: UN OCHA

Displacement and Forced Evacuation

Thousands of children were separated from their families during displacement, many still unaware of their relatives’ fate.

Source: ReliefWeb – Humanitarian Update

Collapse of Care Systems

Institutions that used to provide shelter and support have weakened under blockade and lack of resources, exposing orphans to further hardship.

Source: British Red Cross

Consequences of Orphanhood

  • Psychological trauma: Loss and violence result in anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders.
  • Source: WHO – Mental Health Gaza
  • Loss of education: Many orphans have dropped out of school, either due to lack of support or the need to work to support siblings.
  • Source: UNRWA
  • Malnutrition and poor healthcare: Without guardians, children are deprived of proper nutrition and medical treatment.
  • Source: WFP
  • Exposure to exploitation: Unaccompanied children face greater risks of abuse and exploitation.
  • Source: UNICEF Child Protection Report

Real-Life Examples

  • Rights groups report that young children visit their parents’ graves daily and sleep in fragile tents without protection.
  • Source: AP News
  • In displacement camps, there are families made up solely of children, the eldest barely 12 years old.
  • Source: Reuters

A Call to Action

The orphan crisis is not only a personal tragedy for each child, but a threat to the future of Gaza as a whole. Solutions require:

  • Urgent sponsorship programs through trusted institutions.
  • Psychological and social support to help children cope with trauma.
  • Ensuring access to food, healthcare, and education.
  • Long-term programs to reintegrate orphans into society with dignity.