Middle East Humanitarian Appeal: support older people affected by conflict

Together with the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC), Age International is raising money for the DEC Middle East Humanitarian Appeal. 

Over the past year, conflict in the Middle East has devastated lives across the region, and millions have fled their homes. In Gaza alone, over 42,000 people have been killed since October 2023, and conflict in Lebanon means the death toll in the region is rising. 

Older people caught up in the crisis are facing hunger, dehydration, illness, injury and death. While older people are among those most at risk, their needs are often forgotten or ignored. The situation for them and their families is dire.

In Gaza, an estimated 110,000 older people are struggling to find essential supplies, like food and clean water. In Lebanon, over 100,000 older people have been displaced, making it extremely difficult to locate the services they need. Malnutrition and dehydration pose serious health risks to older people, and many are unable to access age-appropriate support due to disabilities and illness. Medicines are very scarce, and the limited medical services are overwhelmed, making it very difficult for older people to get the help they need.

We’re currently working with our partners in Gaza and Lebanon to expand our life-saving emergency support, including food packages for older people, assistive products such as walking sticks, and essential medication.

As winter sets in, older people are more at risk from flooding and cold weather. They urgently need shelter, clothing and warm food to survive. With millions of people fleeing conflict and the total number of displaced people growing, many shelters are overcrowded and urgently need supplies.

Older people in the Middle East have already lived through years of conflict and trauma. Many have lost family members and become separated from support networks. Some may also be caring for grandchildren or other relatives. In Israel, families of those held hostage desperately await news of their loved ones, tens of thousands of people have been displaced, and many more are dealing with trauma caused by the ongoing conflict.

Age International is the only UK-based charity focused on the needs of older people in low and middle-income countries. We are proud to be one of 15 members of the DEC, working together in times of disasters and emergencies.