Women and children make up approximately 70 percent of the casualties in the Gaza war, with a startling statistic of two mothers losing their lives every hour since the conflict began over 100 days ago, as per a report from UN Women released on Friday.
The report delves into the gender-specific impact of the conflict, revealing that over 23,000 Palestinians have lost their lives, according to health authorities in Gaza, with around 16,000 being women or children.
FAILURE AND TRAUMA
UN Women Executive Director Sima Bahous expressed deep concern, stating, “We have seen evidenced once more that women and children are the first victims of conflict and that our duty to seek peace is a duty to them. We are failing them.” She added, “That failure, and the generational trauma inflicted on the Palestinian people over these 100 days and counting, will haunt all of us for generations to come.”
The report also reiterated concerns about accounts of unconscionable sexual violence and gender-based violence during the Hamas-led attacks against Israel on October 7, which triggered the conflict. UN Women called for accountability, justice, and support for all those affected, emphasizing the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.
‘IMPOSSIBLE DECISIONS’
Characterizing the Gaza conflict as fundamentally a protection crisis for women, UN Women highlighted that nowhere in the enclave is safe for women. Among the 1.9 million people currently displaced, almost a million are women and girls, facing complex decisions regarding evacuation, with gender-specific fears and experiences considering the risks of attacks and harassment while on the move.
The report estimated that at least 3,000 women may have become widows and heads of households, and at least 10,000 children may now be fatherless. This situation raises concerns that families may resort to desperate coping mechanisms such as early marriage.
Despite the crisis, women’s rights organizations persist in their efforts. A rapid survey conducted by UN Women in November revealed that 83 percent of 12 women-led organizations and one youth-led group were partially operating, primarily focusing on emergency response. However, less than one percent of the funding under the 2023 Flash Appeal for Gaza has directly supported women’s groups.
STAYING THE COURSE
The report forms part of UN Women’s six-month response plan for Gaza, encompassing initiatives such as providing emergency food assistance to over 14,000 female-headed households and supporting the distribution of essential items requested by women on the ground. These items include clothing, sanitary products, and baby formula.
UN Women is also collaborating with women-led organizations to deliver gender-responsive services for gender-based violence, establishing women-led protection and response committees in shelters, and conducting regular consultations with women’s organizations to address the challenges they face.
