Palestinian Official to QNA: Gaza Widow Numbers Surpass 50,000
Gaza, June 24 (QNA) – The Ministry of Social Development in Gaza says the number of widows in the territory has risen to more than 50,000 since the start of the genocide in 2023, describing the increase as an unprecedented humanitarian and social crisis.
Speaking to Qatar News Agency (QNA) on the occasion of International Widows’ Day, ministry spokeswoman Aziza Al Kahlout said 28,224 women had been newly widowed during the Israeli occupation offensive, joining around 22,596 widows who were already registered with the ministry before the war.
According to the ministry, Gaza Governorate accounts for the largest share of widows, followed by North Gaza, with the two areas together representing more than 70 percent of cases requiring urgent humanitarian and social support.
Al Kahlout said women aged between 18 and 45 make up nearly two-thirds of war widows, highlighting the need for economic empowerment programs and employment opportunities. She also called for special support for underage widows and elderly women, who face distinct legal, social and healthcare challenges.
The ministry urged the international community and humanitarian organizations to expand protection and assistance programs for widows and their families, including financial aid, psychological support, legal assistance and vocational training.
The figures could rise further, Al Kahlout said, as hostilities continue and data collection remains incomplete in some areas of the territory. (QNA)
