The Gaza conflict has been described as “a war on women” by the UN agency dedicated to gender equality, highlighting the ongoing suffering endured by women due to its devastating effects. According to UN Women, an estimated 9,000 women have been killed by Israeli forces since the conflict began almost five months ago. However, this figure is likely to be higher, as many more women are believed to have perished under the rubble. “While this conflict affects everyone, UN Women’s data demonstrates that it disproportionately impacts and inflicts unprecedented harm upon women,” the agency stated in a press release issued late on Friday. At the current rate, an average of 63 women are expected to be killed every day for as long as the fighting persists.
Every day, approximately 37 mothers lose their lives, leaving their families devastated and their children deprived of adequate protection. This week, UN agencies issued a warning to the Security Council about an impending famine in Gaza, where the entire population of 2.3 million people will soon face severe food insecurity at unprecedented levels. A rapid assessment conducted by UN Women last month, involving 120 women, revealed that the majority (84 percent) stated their families now consume half or less of what they did before the conflict began. Despite being responsible for sourcing food, mothers and adult women are often the ones who eat last and have the least amount to eat.
The majority of women indicated that at least one member of their family had to forego meals during the previous week. UN Women reported that in 95 percent of these cases, it was the mothers who sacrificed food, skipping at least one meal to ensure their children were fed. Additionally, nearly nine out of ten women stated that accessing food was more difficult for them compared to men. Some women have resorted to scavenging for food amidst rubble or in dumpsters, among other measures. Meanwhile, a report by UN Women on the gender aspects of the conflict, issued in January, revealed that 10 out of 12 women’s organizations in Gaza reported being only partially operational.
“Without an urgent humanitarian ceasefire, countless more lives will be lost in the upcoming days and weeks,” emphasized the agency. “The ongoing killing, bombing, and destruction of vital infrastructure in Gaza must cease. Immediate access for humanitarian aid into and across Gaza is imperative.”
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