UN Women has issued a stark warning, estimating that Israeli forces have killed over 9,000 women since the eruption of the Gaza war nearly five months ago.
The agency cautions that this figure could be even higher, considering the likelihood of more casualties buried under rubble.
In a statement released ahead of International Women’s Day on March 8, UN Women highlighted the unprecedented impact of the conflict on women, labeling it “a war on women.” The data underscores that women are bearing the brunt of the violence, with an average of 63 women at risk of losing their lives every day if hostilities persist.
Tragically, approximately 37 mothers are among those killed daily, leaving behind devastated families and children without proper protection. A rapid assessment conducted by UN Women revealed dire conditions, with 84% of surveyed women reporting significant reductions in their families’ food consumption since the onset of the war.
Mothers, despite being responsible for sourcing food, often sacrifice their own meals to ensure their children are fed. Nearly all cases of food deprivation within families involve mothers skipping meals, further exacerbating their vulnerability. Access to food has become increasingly challenging for women, pushing some to desperate measures like scavenging for food in rubble or dumpsters.
Amidst this humanitarian crisis, only a fraction of women’s organizations in Gaza are operational, hindering support services for affected women and families. UN Women urges an immediate humanitarian ceasefire to prevent further loss of life and calls for unimpeded access to Gaza for humanitarian aid.
The agency emphasizes the urgent need to halt the killing, bombing, and destruction in Gaza, emphasizing that humanitarian assistance must reach the region promptly to alleviate the suffering of women and their families.
