Archive · 23 Aug 2026
Gaza's Burial Crisis Deepens as War Deaths Overwhelm Cemeteries
Many people in Gaza have died during the war, and cemeteries no longer have enough room.
More than 40 cemeteries have reportedly been destroyed.
Many families have also been forced to leave their homes, and some burial places are now being used as shelters.
Because of these problems, some people are buried in old family graves or temporary places.
Burial materials such as headstones are difficult to find and have become expensive.
Families sometimes use pieces of destroyed buildings as temporary grave markers.
After a ceasefire was announced in October 2025, some families recovered bodies from ruined homes and temporary graves.
Gaza authorities say hundreds of remains were recovered from mass graves at hospital sites.
The situation has made it difficult for families to give their loved ones permanent burials.
More than 73,000 Palestinians have reportedly been killed in Gaza since October 2023, creating an acute shortage of burial space.
Gaza’s Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs says more than 40 cemeteries have been destroyed during the war.
Families have buried loved ones in reused graves, gardens, tents, displacement camps, schools and hospital grounds.
Burial costs now range from 700 to 1,000 shekels, while shortages of headstones have led families to use rubble, mud and metal sheets.
Khan Younis Cemetery expanded from about 60 graves to 6,000, with gravediggers at one point preparing roughly 35 graves daily.
- Who
- Palestinian families, Gaza authorities and cemetery workers are affected by the burial shortage.
- What
- War-related deaths, destroyed cemeteries, displacement and shortages have caused a severe lack of burial space and materials in Gaza.
- When
- The crisis has developed since the war began in October 2023; remains were also recovered after a United States-brokered ceasefire announced in October 2025.
- Where
- Across Gaza, including Zeitoun Cemetery in Gaza City and Khan Younis Cemetery.
- Why
- More than 73,000 reported deaths, the destruction of more than 40 cemeteries, restricted access, displacement and shortages of burial materials have made funerals increasingly difficult.
- Reported Palestinian deaths
- More than 73,000 since October 2023
- Cemeteries destroyed
- More than 40, according to Gaza’s Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs
- Burial cost
- Reportedly 700 to 1,000 shekels, or approximately $235 to $335
- Zeitoun burial cost
- About 500 shekels, or approximately $167, for a grave
- Khan Younis Cemetery
- Expanded from about 60 graves before the war to approximately 6,000
- Hospital mass graves
- Authorities said 529 remains were recovered from seven mass graves
- Temporary burial sites
- Some dead were buried in gardens, tents, displacement camps, schools and hospital grounds