Number of orphans in Gaza rises to 64,616, including 55,157 orphaned during genocidal war

The Ministry of Social Development in Gaza announced that the total number of orphans in the Strip has reached 64,616, including 55,157 orphaned during the recent aggression against the Strip. Most of these orphans lost their fathers as a result of the genocidal war waged by the Zionist enemy against the Gaza Strip. The largest share of orphans resides in the Gaza Strip governorate, numbering 21,125, representing 32.7% of the total.

In a statement on the occasion of Arab Orphan Day, which falls on April 1st of each year, the Ministry affirmed its unwavering commitment to protecting the rights of orphans and ensuring their dignity and a decent life.

The Ministry noted that this day comes amidst tragic humanitarian conditions faced by orphans in Palestine, particularly in the Gaza Strip, which has witnessed one of the most violent and protracted wars. Orphans there suffer from displacement, loss of family and shelter, disruption of health and education services, and shortages of food and medicine, directly threatening their lives and health.

The Ministry emphasized that this day is dedicated to highlighting the issues of orphans, raising awareness of their rights, problems, and concerns, and organizing events and initiatives aimed at improving the lives of orphans, providing them with moral and material support, and encouraging communities to contribute to supporting orphans, improving their circumstances, and providing them with opportunities to live in dignity.

The Ministry called upon all local and international organizations working in the field of orphans to focus their efforts on supporting and assisting orphaned children, providing them with all necessary resources, and rebuilding the children’s facilities that were bombed and destroyed by the enemy during the recent aggression against the Gaza Strip.

It also called for providing material and living care and securing basic needs such as food, shelter, and clothing through monthly financial sponsorships and reliable in-kind assistance; legal and rights-based protection for the orphan’s money and property, ensuring they are not exploited; providing psychological and social support and counseling to cope with the effects of losing parents, boosting their self-confidence, and surrounding them with educational care.