![Children are seen as displaced Palestinian families live in makeshift tents and severely damaged buildings amidst heavy destruction after Israeli airstrikes that left Khan Yunis in ruins, southern Gaza Strip, Palestine on July 17, 2026. [Abed Rahim Khatib - Anadolu Agency]](https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/AA-20260717-42002983-42002975-DAILY_LIFE_AMID_RUINS_OF_KHAN_YUNIS_AS_DISPLACED_PALESTINIANS_FACE_SEVERE_SURVIVAL_STRUGGLES-1-1.jpg)
The Ministry of Social Development in Gaza said on Thursday that the number of registered orphans in the territory has risen to 65,279, including 54,468 children who it said lost one or both parents during the war. In a statement, the ministry said 2,039 children had been added to its records after 10th October 2025. The ministry also reported that the number of registered widows had reached 28,224, including 742 women who were widowed during the same period. According to the ministry, the figures reflect a worsening humanitarian and social situation, which it attributed to the continued conflict, repeated displacement, and the reduction of safe areas for civilians. The ministry said its teams had documented damage to or strikes affecting […]