The Gaza Strip, a small coastal enclave home to 2.3 million people, has been described by UNICEF as “the most dangerous place in the world to be a child.” Since the escalation of conflict in October 2023, the region has been ravaged by relentless violence, leaving behind a trail of destruction that has disproportionately affected its youngest residents. Among the most heartbreaking consequences of this war is the staggering number of children who have lost one or both parents, creating what the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics has called “the largest orphan crisis in modern history.” As of April 2025, over 39,000 children in Gaza have been orphaned, with approximately 17,000 having lost both parents. These children face not only the immediate trauma of loss but also an uncertain future marked by displacement, poverty, and a lack of institutional support. This article explores the plight of Gaza’s orphans, the challenges they face, and the glimmers of hope for their future amid one of the most devastating humanitarian crises of our time.



The Scale of the Crisis


The war in Gaza, sparked by the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, and Israel’s subsequent military response, has caused unprecedented loss of life. According to Gaza’s Ministry of Health, over 50,523 Palestinians have been killed as of April 2025, with women and children making up the majority of casualties. Among these, at least 17,000 children have lost their lives, and thousands more have been injured or left without caregivers. UNICEF estimates that nearly 19,000 children are now unaccompanied or separated from their families, a number that reflects the chaos and destruction that has obliterated entire family units.


The stories of these orphans are heart-wrenching. Ten-year-old Razan Shabat, for instance, plays with dolls on a hospital bed in Deir al-Balah, unaware that her entire family was killed in the Israeli airstrike that left her with a leg in a plaster cast and scars on her face. Similarly, Taleen Al-Hinnawi, who lost her father, now resides in the Al-Baraka orphanage camp in Al-Mawasi, yearning for the normalcy of her life in Gaza City. These children are not just statistics but individuals whose lives have been irrevocably altered by the loss of parents, siblings, and homes.


The scale of orphanhood in Gaza is compounded by the region’s pre-existing vulnerabilities. Even before the current conflict, Gaza had 33,000 orphans from previous Israeli military operations since 2008. The blockade, in place since 2007, has restricted access to basic necessities like food, water, and medical supplies, creating a fragile environment where families were already struggling. The current war has exacerbated these conditions, leveling infrastructure, destroying schools, and choking supply chains. The blockade of humanitarian aid since March 2025 has led to severe shortages, pushing children into malnutrition and preventable diseases, further endangering the lives of those already orphaned.


### The Immediate Challenges


For Gaza’s orphans, the immediate aftermath of losing their parents is marked by profound trauma and survival challenges. Many children have witnessed the violent deaths of their families, often buried under rubble or caught in airstrikes. The psychological toll is immense, with UNICEF reporting that nearly all children in Gaza require mental health support. Symptoms of severe anxiety, withdrawal, and hopelessness are rampant, as documented in a 2024 study by the Community Training Centre for Crisis Management, supported by War Child Alliance. The study, which interviewed over 500 vulnerable children and caregivers, found that virtually all children in Gaza exhibit signs of trauma, with many unable to cope with the relentless displacement and loss.


The physical challenges are equally dire. With 90% of Gaza’s schools damaged or destroyed, 625,000 children have no access to education, robbing them of structure and opportunity. The collapse of healthcare services means that injured or malnourished orphans often go untreated. For example, one-third of children under three in northern Gaza are malnourished, and 60,000 children are at risk of death due to famine, according to the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics. The blockade has halted the entry of humanitarian aid, leaving children like Mohammed al-Yazgi, a 13-year-old who lost his mother and became the head of his household, scavenging for food to feed his six siblings.


Displacement is another pressing issue. Over 1.7 million people, including one million children, have been forcibly displaced, many multiple times. Children like Abed Hussein, who lost both parents in an airstrike, now live in makeshift tents in overcrowded areas like Rafah or Al-Mawasi. These environments lack basic sanitation, clean water, or safety, increasing the risk of disease outbreaks such as polio, which reemerged in Gaza in 2024 for the first time in decades.


The absence of institutional support exacerbates these challenges. Gaza’s four pre-war orphanages have been converted into shelters for displaced families, leaving no dedicated facilities for the newly orphaned. Humanitarian organizations like UNICEF and Save the Children are stretched thin, struggling to provide aid in a context where Israeli restrictions on border crossings have reduced aid flows by over 70% since May 2024. The lack of security and infrastructure makes it nearly impossible to reunite children with extended family members, leaving many in the care of strangers or distant relatives who are themselves struggling to survive.


### The Long-Term Implications


The crisis facing Gaza’s orphans extends far beyond their immediate needs. The loss of parents and the destruction of social structures threaten to create a generation marked by permanent trauma and limited opportunities. The concept of “scholasticide,” described by the Al Mezan Center for Human Rights, refers to Israel’s systematic destruction of Gaza’s education system, which has left 659,000 children without schooling. This educational void risks perpetuating cycles of poverty and disenfranchisement, as children grow up without the skills or knowledge needed to rebuild their lives or contribute to their society.


Psychologically, the impact of war on these children is profound. The 2019 Lancet study cited in War Child’s report indicated that 22% of people in conflict zones suffer from mental disorders, but in Gaza, the figure is closer to 100% for vulnerable children. The constant exposure to violence, loss, and displacement creates “toxic stress,” which can disrupt brain development and lead to long-term health challenges. Children like Nada Al-Gharib, who lost her father and brother, describe finding solace in communities of shared pain, but the absence of professional mental health services means that most children are left to process their trauma alone.


Socially, the loss of family structures places an enormous burden on surviving relatives or communities. Extended families, often displaced themselves, struggle to care for additional children. In some cases, children as young as 13, like Mohammed al-Yazgi, become de facto heads of households, responsible for younger siblings. This role reversal robs them of their childhood and places them at risk of exploitation, as they navigate a world with no safety net.


The international community’s failure to address the root causes of the conflict further dims the prospects for Gaza’s orphans. The blockade, ongoing airstrikes, and lack of a lasting ceasefire mean that the conditions for recovery remain elusive. The International Criminal Court’s arrest warrants for Israeli leaders Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant for war crimes signal some accountability, but without tangible changes on the ground, these measures offer little immediate relief to children.


### Glimmers of Hope


Amid this bleak landscape, there are small but significant efforts to support Gaza’s orphans. Humanitarian organizations, despite immense challenges, are working tirelessly to provide aid and protection. UNICEF, for instance, has facilitated family reunification for some of the 17,000 unaccompanied children and is the only agency providing humanitarian cash transfers to families in Gaza. Save the Children has reached over 1.5 million people, including 1.4 million in Gaza, with essentials like food, water, and winter clothing. War Child has supported 118,000 children with mental health programs, including play-based activities to help process trauma.


Local initiatives also offer hope. The Al-Baraka orphanage camp in Al-Mawasi, established by teacher Mahmoud Kallakh, provides shelter, food, medical care, and education to 400 displaced families, including orphans like Taleen Al-Hinnawi. Supported by UNICEF, the camp’s school offers a semblance of normalcy, with stationery and teacher salaries provided to keep children learning. Similarly, SOS Children’s Villages International evacuated 68 orphans from Rafah to the West Bank, ensuring their safety amid escalating violence.


International advocacy is another critical avenue. Organizations like Oxfam and the International Rescue Committee are calling for an end to the blockade and unrestricted humanitarian access. The EU’s partnership with UNICEF has provided cash assistance to over 233,000 children, helping families meet basic needs. These efforts, while insufficient to meet the scale of the crisis, demonstrate the potential for collective action to make a difference.


 The Path Forward


The future of Gaza’s orphans depends on immediate and sustained intervention. First and foremost, a definitive ceasefire is essential to halt the violence and allow humanitarian aid to flow freely. The blockade must be lifted to restore access to food, water, medical supplies, and fuel, which are critical for children’s survival. Rebuilding Gaza’s infrastructure—schools, hospitals, and orphanages—will require significant international investment and coordination.


Mental health support must be prioritized. Expanding psychosocial programs, like those offered by War Child and Save the Children, can help children process their trauma and build resilience. Training local caregivers and teachers to identify and address mental health needs is crucial, given the shortage of professional services.


Education is another priority. Temporary learning spaces, like those in the Al-Baraka camp, can bridge the gap until schools are rebuilt. Scholarships and vocational training for older orphans can provide pathways to self-sufficiency, breaking the cycle of poverty.


Finally, the international community must address the political roots of the conflict. A lasting resolution that prioritizes the rights and well-being of Gaza’s children is essential to prevent future generations from suffering the same fate. This includes holding all parties accountable for violations of international humanitarian law and ensuring that children’s rights, as outlined in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, are upheld.


### Conclusion


Gaza’s orphans are the most vulnerable victims of a war that has shattered their world. The loss of parents, homes, and security has left them facing unimaginable challenges, from hunger and displacement to profound psychological trauma. Yet, their resilience, as seen in the stories of children like Taleen and Nada, offers a glimmer of hope. With concerted efforts from humanitarian organizations, local initiatives, and the international community, these children can be given the chance to heal and rebuild. The world owes them more than sympathy—it owes them action, resources, and a future where they can thrive. As the poet Lorraine Schneider once wrote, “War is not healthy for children and other living things.”