Widows in Gaza and the Impact of War on Their Lives and Their Children

Gaza-widows and children
Image credit: UN Women

The Situation of Widows in Gaza and the Impact of War on Their Lives and Their Children (2023–2026)

By Hossam Madhoun – Child protection officer at MAAN Development Centre.
May 2026.

Introduction

Since the outbreak of the war in the Gaza Strip in October 2023, widows have emerged as one of the most affected and vulnerable groups in society.
The loss of husbands has forced thousands of women to suddenly become primary breadwinners in an environment marked by widespread destruction, collapse of essential services, and severe insecurity.

Estimates indicate that around 22,000 women have become widows during this period, reflecting a deep, multi-dimensional humanitarian crisis whose impacts extend to future generations and affect the social, economic, and psychological fabric of society as a whole.

First: Social and Family Impact

The loss of a husband has led to a fundamental transformation in family structure, forcing women to take on multiple roles simultaneously:

  • Becoming mother, breadwinner, and decision-maker at once;
  • Assuming complex responsibilities, including:
    • Raising and caring for children;
    • Providing basic household needs;
    • Protecting the family amid repeated displacement and instability.

Social Challenges:

  • Increased social pressure beyond their capacity;
  • Overburdening roles in the absence of support systems;
  • In some cases: social stigma or weak community protection.

Impact on Children:

  • Loss of a primary source of safety and stabilit;
  • Absence of the father as emotional and educational support;
  • Disruption in family relationships and sense of belonging.

Second: Economic Impact

On Widowed Women:

  • Loss of the primary household income provider;
  • Unprecedented rise in female unemployment;
  • Near-total lack of job opportunities due to:
    • Destruction of the economy;
    • Restrictions on movement.

Direct Consequences:

  • Widespread extreme poverty;
  • Severe food insecurity;
  • Almost total dependence on humanitarian aid.

Harsh Coping Mechanisms:

  • Selling basic belongings;
  • Reducing daily meals;
  • Borrowing or relying on limited informal support networks.

On Children:

  • Deprivation of basic needs;
  • Increased risk of:
    • Child labor;
    • School dropout.

Third: Health Impact

On Women:

  • Severely limited access to healthcare services;
  • Spread of:
    • Malnutrition;
    • Infectious diseases.

Most Vulnerable Groups:

  • Pregnant and breastfeeding women;
  • Women with chronic illnesses.

On Children:

  • High rates of acute malnutrition;
  • Weakened immune systems;
  • Spread of diseases due to:
    • Overcrowding;
    • Lack of clean water.

Living Conditions:

  • Residence in tents or inadequate shelters;
  • Lack of water and sanitation services;
  • Unhealthy environments increasing disease risks.

Fourth: Psychological Impact

On Widows:

Women suffer from compounded psychological trauma due to:

  • Loss of their husbands;
  • Continuous exposure to violence and danger.

Common Symptoms:

  • Depression;
  • Anxiety;
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Prevailing Feelings:

  • Constant fear;
  • Insecurity;
  • Helplessness and loss of control.

On Children:

  • Deep and long-term psychological trauma.
  • Behavioral issues such as:
    • Severe fear;
    • Bedwetting;
    • Withdrawal or aggression.

Core Challenge:

  • Severe shortage of mental health and psychosocial support services

Fifth: Educational Impact

On Children

  • Widespread interruption of education;
  • Destruction of schools or their conversion into shelters;
  • Difficulty accessing education due to:
    • Displacement;
    • Poverty;
    • Psychological stress.

Outcomes:

  • Increased dropout rates;
  • Loss of entire academic years;
  • Decline in basic skills.

On Mothers:

  • Limited ability to support children’s education due to:
    • Illiteracy in some cases;
    • Preoccupation with securing basic needs.

Sixth: Legal and Protection Impact

Legal Challenges:

  • Difficulty in officially confirming the death of husbands in some cases;
  • Complications in:
    • Accessing aid;
    • Managing property and rights.

Protection Risks:

  • Exposure of some widows to:
    • Economic exploitation;
    • Gender-based violence;
  • Lack of safe environments, especially in displacement settings.

On Children:

  • Weak legal protection;
  • Increased risk of:
    • Exploitation;
    • Neglect.

Seventh: Long-Term Impact

The crisis extends beyond the present into the future:

  • Emergence of a generation of children who:
    • Suffer from chronic psychological trauma;
    • Are deprived of adequate education;
  • Worsening multidimensional poverty;
  • Permanent changes in family and social structures;
  • Increased dependence on aid instead of productivity.

Conclusion

Widows in Gaza represent a complex humanitarian case where multiple dimensions intersect:

  • Personal loss (loss of a husband);
  • Economic pressure (loss of income);
  • Health and psychological suffering;
  • Legal and social challenges.

Meanwhile, children bear a parallel burden, including:

  • Loss of safety;
  • Deteriorating health;
  • Disrupted education.

If these conditions persist without comprehensive and sustained intervention, they will lead to a long-term societal crisis, directly affecting social stability and human development in Gaza.

Key Humanitarian Recommendations

  • Provide direct and sustainable financial support to widows;
  • Establish economic empowerment programs and livelihood opportunities;
  • Deliver specialized mental health and psychosocial support services;
  • Ensure access to comprehensive healthcare;
  • Support emergency education and continuity of learning for children;
  • Strengthen legal and social protection systems for widows and their children.

Suggested further reading and resources

UN Women Emergency Appeal for Gaza

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