All staff working in the Al Rafi Health Centre are safe and Juzoor is working to relocate resources so that it can continue delivering essential care. But it is another indicator of the impact this crisis is having on the delivery of essential humanitarian aid.
Today’s resumption of hostilities marks another grim turning point in the protracted crisis which has already pushed a devastated population to the brink. While much of the attention is focused on the overall humanitarian toll, the specific impact on older people continues to be overlooked – despite their heightened vulnerability and the disproportionate risks they face.
“ with no regard for the people trapped in its path—especially older people, who are among the most at risk and least able to escape. What we’re seeing is further destruction on top of what has occurred over the last year, and once again it is civilians who are paying the price,” said Chris McIvor.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza is catastrophic. For more than two weeks, aid deliveries have been heavily restricted, leaving people without food, clean water, medicines, or fuel. Hospitals are barely functioning, and entire communities are surviving on dwindling supplies. With renewed evacuation orders forcing thousands to flee once again, older people are particularly affected; many cannot evacuate in safety and dignity, and those that can face additional challenges queuing for aid or reaching distribution points. Those with chronic illnesses or disabilities are at heightened risk of being left behind entirely.
Safe and sustained humanitarian access is urgently needed, and all parties have a responsibility to uphold international humanitarian law. The specific needs and agency of older people must be recognised and prioritised – they must not be invisible in this crisis.
