The State of Palestine Embassy in India has raised concerns based on a recent report by UN Women regarding the profound humanitarian crisis affecting Palestinian women amidst ongoing conflict in Gaza. This report, titled “The Cost of War in Gaza on Women and Girls,” reportedly documents the harsh realities faced by these vulnerable populations.

The Embassy stated that the findings illustrate how women and children are disproportionately affected by the violence. The report reveals that over 70 per cent of the fatalities recorded have been women and children, with nearly one million women and girls reportedly displaced multiple times under perilous conditions, often without adequate shelter or access to basic necessities.

Collapsing Healthcare Services and Food Insecurity

The healthcare situation in Gaza has significantly deteriorated, according to the Embassy’s statement. It was highlighted that there are approximately 50,000 pregnant women in the region, with daily reports of over 180 births taking place under distressing and unsanitary circumstances. Many of these births occur without the necessary maternal care, reflecting the overall collapse of the healthcare system.

In addition, the Embassy drew attention to the dire state of food security, mentioning that over 90 per cent of Gaza’s population is experiencing acute food insecurity. Women and children are among the most affected groups, with access to clean water and sanitation severely compromised due to the ongoing conflict.

The report also notes that psychological distress is prevalent among the population, with widespread trauma and anxiety reported. Many women have had to assume the role of sole caregivers, often as a result of losing family members to the ongoing conflict.

Calls for Urgent International Action

The Palestinian Embassy has called for immediate international action in response to the report’s findings. It articulated that these findings underscore a humanitarian catastrophe with potential long-term societal implications. The Embassy urged for an immediate global response and measures to protect civilians, especially women, in accordance with established international humanitarian law.

The UN report, described as an “advocacy brief,” is based on recent analyses conducted by UN Women, focusing on the experiences of women and girls in Gaza since October 2023. The document employs a temporal and gender-focused perspective to explore the patterns of violence, detailing when and how these attacks have occurred and their specific impacts.

Moreover, the report underscored a troubling trend where many women and girls, including minors, have felt compelled to use contraceptive pills to delay or prevent menstruation due to severe shortages of essential supplies for personal hygiene and care. This situation highlights the extent of the crisis and the urgent need for targeted, gender-responsive action to protect civilians and address the compounding risks faced by women and girls in Gaza.

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