Published on: 2026-04-17
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
The war in the Gaza Strip has resulted in unprecedented losses for the female population of the region. According to data from the “UN Women” entity, released on Friday, since the start of hostilities triggered by Hamas attacks in October 2023, more than 38,000 women and girls have died as a result of Israeli airstrikes and ground operations.
Tens of thousands killed and wounded
Speaking before journalists in Geneva, agency representative Sofia Kalltorp cited alarming statistics: on average, conflict claimed the lives of no fewer than 47 women and girls per day.
“For every number in this list – someone’s mother, daughter, sister, or girlfriend,” Kaltorp said. She also noted that civilians have continued to die in recent months, despite the formal ceasefire agreement between the HAMA militants and the Israel Defense Forces.
About 11 thousand women and girls received injuries and wounds, many of whom became disabled.
In “UN Women” they emphasize: the actual number of victims is most likely significantly higher, as many bodies still remain under the rubble. According to health authorities, injuries in Gaza, total losses on the Palestinian side since October 2023 have exceeded 72,315 deaths and 172,137 injuries.
Life on the debris
The war has provoked a protracted humanitarian crisis that has fundamentally changed the structure of society: now women head many families, who have to cope with all the difficulties on their own. At the same time, conditions for restoring a normal life in the sector are absent, and the population does not receive assistance in the necessary volume.
“Having lost their husbands, they are forced to support their families without any income, support, or access to basic services,” Kalltrope said.
Six months after the ceasefire regime came into effect, the situation of women and girls remains critical. The situation is exacerbated by the complete collapse of social infrastructure.
Kalltorp spoke about the acute shortage of first necessity items, including hygiene products and services in the field of reproductive health. She shared memories of her November trip to the Gaza sector, where she met two women who had to give birth right on the street—due to the lack of transportation they simply could not be taken to a slightly surviving hospital.
The path to restoration
The structure “UN Women” calls for strict adherence to the ceasefire regime and the norms of international law. The organization emphasizes: humanitarian operations must be expanded. And the interests of women and girls must be at the center of all efforts for peacebuilding and reconstruction in Gaza.
Despite the most difficult conditions, the agency continues to work directly in the sector, interacting with local women’s organizations. Its employees strive to provide the victims with necessary assistance and to ensure that women’s voices are taken into account when making decisions about the restoration of the enclave.
Please note; this information is raw content, received directly from the source. It is an exact report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.