Older people in Gaza still urgently need support

One year after a UN Independent Commission concluded that Israel had committed genocide against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, older people and whole communities in Gaza remain at grave risk [1]. Age International is highlighting the vital support delivered by its partners in the region, and calling for the UK Government’s recent commitments to translate into greater protection and humanitarian support for people of all ages.

The UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory concluded on reasonable grounds that Israeli authorities and security forces had committed, and were continuing to commit, four of the five underlying acts of genocide set out in the 1948 Genocide Convention. The paper, published on 16 September 2025, called on Israel to end the commission of genocide, implement a permanent ceasefire and ensure full humanitarian access. It urged all UN Member States to prevent further genocidal acts, halt arms transfers that could contribute to them, and support accountability. [2]

The UK Government’s announcement last week, on 8 September, marked a significant shift in its approach. The announcement recognised that Israel’s continued occupation of Palestinian territory is unlawful, alongside the increasing evidence of serious violations and the scale of suffering across Gaza and the West Bank. Age International joins many others across the humanitarian and human rights sector in calling for the announcement to translate into urgent, meaningful change. Civilians, including older people, are still being killed and injured, and most of Gaza’s population remains displaced. Restrictions on food, water, medicine, fuel and humanitarian operations continue to deny people the basics they need to survive.

Older people face distinct risks that are often overlooked during a humanitarian crisis. Interrupted healthcare, and the loss of accessible shelter, assistive products, carers and family support, quickly become life-threatening for older people. Those living with chronic illnesses, disabilities or limited mobility are at heightened risk. This is undoubtedly the case in Gaza.

Local partners delivering vital support

In extraordinarily difficult conditions, Age International’s two partner organisations in the region continue to reach and help older people and their families. Despite repeated airstrikes on critical infrastructure and a limited flow of supplies, they have provided older people and their families with food, clean water, cash assistance, medicines, healthcare, hygiene kits, mental health support, and assistive products such as walking sticks, glasses and hearing aids.

This locally-led assistance is providing a lifeline for older people who might otherwise miss out on support altogether. Donations from the UK public have helped Age International’s partners to be flexible in their response to older people’s needs. To continue this life-saving work, local organisations need sustained, flexible funding and reliable access to essential supplies. 

Older people remain at grave risk

HelpAge International research reveals the unbearable conditions which older people are facing. Of 416 older people surveyed across Gaza in 2025, 80% had been displaced at least three times and more than three-quarters were living in tents. 84% cent said their shelter conditions were harming their health, privacy and wellbeing.[3]

Many older people live with chronic illnesses, disabilities or limited mobility. They may be unable to reach distribution points or obtain nutritious food, medicines and health treatment. Some have reported rationing their own medicines or skipping meals so that other family members can eat. Restrictions on assistive products, such as wheelchairs, and disruption to health, water and sanitation services, are putting their lives at further risk.

Alison Marshall, CEO of Age International, said:

“Our local partners have shown extraordinary courage and resilience, continuing to support older people in conditions no humanitarian worker should face. The generosity of Age International supporters has helped provide water, food, medicines, cash and other essentials, but local organisations also need greater international support.

We welcome the Foreign Secretary’s recognition of the scale of suffering in Gaza, and the measures announced by the UK Government on 8 September. This is an important step change, but must be followed by sustained action to protect Palestinians and humanitarian workers, uphold international law, and help end the impunity that has allowed violations to continue.

The UK Government must continue to press for adherence to the ceasefire and full, safe and unhindered humanitarian access across Gaza, as well as supporting local organisations to reach those most at risk. It must also ensure that no UK arms transfers risk contributing to serious violations of international law. Any effective response must protect the rights and dignity of people of all ages, with older people fully included.”

[1] https://www.un.org/unispal/document/israel-has-committed-genocide-in-the-gaza-strip-un-commission-finds-16sep25

[2] https://www.ohchr.org/sites/default/files/documents/hrbodies/hrcouncil/sessions-regular/session60/advance-version/a-hrc-60-crp-3.pdf

[3] https://www.helpage.org/resource/pushed-beyond-their-limits/