No safe space left for older people and their families in Gaza

The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has reached a devastating new level as there is now no safe space for the entire population, including older people and their families. The Israeli Government has launched a ground offensive into Deir al-Balah, forcibly displacing thousands of people once more towards another so-called ‘humanitarian zone’.

Age International responds to this week’s announcement from the UK Government that it will provide more humanitarian assistance to Gaza, welcoming this development. It also welcomes the Government signing the joint statement by 30 international partners, including a number of Foreign Ministers, condemning the Israeli Government’s treatment of Gaza’s civilian population. The statement recognises the scale of the suffering in Gaza and sends a strong message to the Israeli Government that its conduct is unacceptable.

Alison Marshall, CEO of Age International, comments:

"We note these developments from the UK Government, which has rightfully recognised Israel’s disregard for human life in Gaza. But the horrors we are witnessing daily are only worsening. The people of Gaza, including its older population, have been deprived of all they need to survive. More than words are required to bring an end to this conflict. The pervasive impunity that enables these atrocities and denies Palestinians their right to life must end."

Older people have been disproportionately impacted by the hostilities in Gaza due to limited mobility, chronic health conditions, and the collapse of vital support systems. Displacement, food and water shortages, and unsafe living conditions increase their vulnerability.[1] In these desperate times, there have been reports of families having to leave older relatives behind in the scramble to flee.[2]

As a member of the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC), Age International has been working with local partner organisations in Gaza, the West Bank and Lebanon to provide older people and their families with tailored support including cash transfers and, when possible, food and medical assistance. Local staff have been working in dire conditions, made impossible now by the Israeli Government’s blockade of aid into the region.

Since the Israeli Government insisted that humanitarian aid be provided through the Israeli-controlled Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, which began its operations two months ago, 1,000 people have been killed trying to access food aid.[3] Civilians endure treacherous journeys, forced to walk for hours through dangerous terrain and active conflict zones, only to face open fire when they reach the militarised distribution sites.

Age International’s global partner, HelpAge International, is one of over 100 organisations warning of mass starvation unless aid is immediately allowed into Gaza.[4] The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) has reported thousands of civilians forced to ‘compete’ with each other, making access to food for older people nearly impossible.

However, the need to act extends beyond providing humanitarian assistance. Human Rights Watch argues that the UK Government is still complicit in this conflict by selling arms to Israel.[5] Age International joins calls for the UK Government to suspend all arms transfers to Israel immediately, and to take decisive action to ensure the Israeli Government and other parties are held accountable for harm to civilians.

Alison Marshall sums up:

"We urge all those involved in this conflict to uphold international law and protect older people. A permanent, sustained ceasefire is essential for all those suffering in Gaza, and offers the best hope for the release of the Israeli hostages detained since 7 October 2023. Israel must urgently allow full humanitarian access into Gaza and ensure displaced people, including older people, can access lifesaving support."

Sources:

[1] https://www.unrwa.org/resources/reports/protection-brief-situation-older-persons-gaza
[2] https://www.unrwa.org/sites/default/files/content/resources/older_persons_in_gaza_updated.pdf
[3] https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2025/jul/22/food-aid-gaza-deaths-visual-story-ghf-israel
[4] https://reliefweb.int/report/occupied-palestinian-territory/mass-starvation-spreads-across-gaza-our-colleagues-and-those-we-serve-are-wasting-away-enar
[5] https://www.oxfam.org.uk/get-involved/campaign-with-oxfam/gaza-israel-crisis-sign-petition-call-for-ceasefire-now/does-the-uk-sell-arms-to-israel/, https://www.hrw.org/news/2025/06/10/uk-may-have-paused-trade-talks-israel-arms-exports-are-still-elephant-room