Gaza Herald– The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is taking a devastating toll on the elderly, with hunger and malnutrition leaving many residents weakened and skeletal.
Riyad Al-Ghazali, a resident, has reportedly lost nearly half his body weight due to famine, dropping from 78 kg to just 42 kg. “There’s no food, and no money to buy any. Sometimes I eat only half a loaf of bread or just salt,” he explained. His wife, Nadia Abu Shaaban, added that they often go to sleep without having had dinner at all.
Nursing homes in Gaza are struggling to care for their residents, many of whom are now too weak to move. Ashraf Hamada, head of the elderly care department, said five elderly patients have recently died from starvation, and caregivers are running out of basic supplies. “Markets are empty, charity kitchens cannot meet demand, and there is simply nothing left for those most in need,” he stated.
Humanitarian sources warn that without urgent food aid and medical assistance, more of Gaza’s elderly population will face life-threatening conditions.
The situation highlights the often-overlooked suffering of the most vulnerable in Gaza, underscoring the urgent need for international humanitarian intervention.
