Gaza Herald – A statistical report issued by the Ministry of Social Development in Gaza on Wednesday revealed that the total number of orphans in the Gaza Strip has risen to 64,616, including 55,157 children who lost their caregivers during the recent genocidal war.
The announcement coincided with Arab Orphans Day, observed on April 1, amid unprecedented humanitarian conditions in the besieged territory. The report highlighted that Gaza Governorate has the highest concentration of orphans, with 21,125 children, representing 32.7% of the total.
The ministry emphasized that these children face existential challenges far beyond the loss of their parents, including forced displacement, lack of shelter, disrupted healthcare and education, and severe shortages of food and medicine.
The ministry stated that commemorating this day aims to raise awareness of the plight of this vulnerable population and to promote social solidarity, ensuring an environment where they can pursue their aspirations.
An urgent call was issued to local and international organizations to focus efforts on critical support measures, including monthly financial sponsorships, provision of essential living needs, and reconstruction of facilities for children destroyed by the occupation.
The ministry also stressed the need to enforce legal protection for orphaned children’s property and to provide intensive psychosocial support programs to help them overcome the compounded trauma caused by the genocide.
