Devastating Impact on Women and Children in Israel-Hamas War
The Israel-Hamas war has had a devastating impact on women and children, according to a report released by UN Women. The agency, which promotes gender equality, revealed that approximately 16,000 people have been killed in the conflict, with two mothers losing their lives every hour since Hamas’ surprise attack on Israel. The report also highlighted that at least 3,000 women may have become widows and heads of households, while around 10,000 children may have lost their fathers.
Gender inequality has played a significant role in exacerbating the suffering of women and children in this war. The report emphasized the burden faced by women who are constantly fleeing the fighting with their children, only to be displaced again and again. Out of the 2.3 million population in the territory, 1.9 million are displaced, and nearly one million are women and girls seeking shelter and safety.
Sima Bahous, the executive director of UN Women, described this situation as a “cruel inversion” compared to the fighting in the previous 15 years. Prior to the Hamas attack on October 7th, 67% of all civilians killed in Gaza and the West Bank were men, while less than 14% were women. Bahous echoed the calls of U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres for a humanitarian cease-fire and the immediate release of all hostages taken captive in Israel during the attack.
The report emphasized the urgent need for unrestricted humanitarian assistance and an end to the destruction and killing. Women and girls in Gaza are deprived of safety, medicine, healthcare, and shelter. They face imminent starvation and famine, and most importantly, they are deprived of hope and justice. The health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza reported that nearly 25,000 Palestinians have been killed in the conflict, with 70% of them being women and children. Shockingly, the United Nations stated that more than half a million people in Gaza, which accounts for a quarter of the population, are currently starving.
In Israel, approximately 1,200 people were killed during the October 7th attack by Hamas, and around 250 people were taken hostage by militants. It is believed that over 100 hostages are still being held captive in Gaza. Bahous revealed that UN Women had received “shocking accounts of unconscionable sexual violence during the attacks” by Hamas. She echoed the U.N.’s calls for accountability, justice, and support for all those affected.
Despite the escalating hostilities in Gaza, women-led and women’s rights organizations are still operating. The report found that 83% of women’s organizations surveyed in the Gaza Strip are at least partially operational, mainly focusing on the emergency response to the war. However, UN Women highlighted that only 0.09% of funding from last year’s flash appeal for Gaza went directly to national or local women’s rights organizations. Bahous stressed the need for more aid to reach Gaza, especially for women and children, and called for an end to the war.
“This is a time for peace,” Bahous stated. “We owe this to all Israeli and Palestinian women and girls. This is not their conflict. They must no longer pay its price.”
The devastating impact of the Israel-Hamas war on women and children cannot be ignored. It is crucial that immediate action is taken to provide humanitarian assistance, ensure accountability for crimes committed, and support those affected by this ongoing conflict. The voices of women and girls must be heard, and their rights must be protected. It is time for peace to prevail and for the suffering to come to an end.
