New research conducted by both Amnesty International and HelpAge International has revealed that elderly people in the Gaza Strip are suffering from a neglected physical and mental health crisis due to the ongoing Israeli blockade on essential aid , medicine, and the recent ban imposed on humanitarian institutions.
In a post on the “X” platform on Thursday, monitored by the Yemeni News Agency (Saba), Amnesty International stated that the health survey conducted by HelpAge International reported that elderly people said food scarcity has forced them to skip entire meals, sometimes to make what is available for the rest of the family. Others said they had to reduce doses of medication for serious health conditions due to its unavailability.
The organization added that displaced elderly people described to Amnesty International the severe harm they have suffered from being deprived of nutritious food, adequate shelter, and healthcare, under the continuing siege imposed by the Israeli authorities. Those interviewed have been subjected to repeated forced displacement since October 2023.
The organization quoted Erika Guevara Rosas, Senior Director of Research, Advocacy, Policy, and Campaigns at Amnesty International, as saying: “The needs of older people are often marginalized during armed conflicts. In the Gaza Strip, older people are suffering an unprecedented collapse in their physical and mental health as a direct result of Israel’s deliberate subjection of Palestinians in Gaza to living conditions intended to bring about their physical destruction.”
She added: “The health survey conducted by HelpAge International shows how Israel’s ongoing, unlawful, cruel, and inhumane restrictions on life-saving aid have undermined the ability of older people to access healthcare , essential medicine, reduced their access to nutritious food and adequate shelter.”
She emphasized, “The rights and needs of older people in Gaza must not be neglected. Many continue to endure degrading living conditions and a miserable humanitarian situation after their houses were destroyed and they were subjected to repeated forced displacement. The Israeli authorities must immediately and unconditionally lift their blockade to allow the unimpeded entry of essential supplies, including medicine and shelter materials.”
The organization clarified that during the winter months, Palestinians in Gaza, most of whom live in dilapidated tents or temporary shelters, had to endure sewage floods, rainwater floods, and face harsh winds.
It reported that “Israel,” as of January 1, suspended the registration of 37 non-governmental humanitarian organizations operating in the Gaza Strip , the West Bank, and these organizations were ordered to halt their operations within 60 days.
