Why it matters:
The figures reveal a crisis where women bear an overwhelming burden, from permanent disabilities and infectious diseases to the profound grief of losing children and partners.
These numbers reflect the human cost of a conflict that leaves its most vulnerable exposed to unimaginable suffering.
The big picture:
The ongoing war in Gaza is not only a military conflict; it’s a humanitarian emergency. With an Israeli siege that restricts vital aid, the situation in Gaza has worsened conditions for millions, exacerbating poverty and insecurity.
The toll on women, who are often the caretakers of families, signals a broader collapse of social stability and community resilience in the region.
What he’s saying:
Salama Maarouf, head of the Government Media Office in Gaza, emphasizes that the tragedy of Women’s Day is intertwined with the continuous siege.
“Women’s Day coincides with the continuation of the Israeli siege and the prevention of aid as women live in catastrophic humanitarian conditions and suffer from starvation and thirst,” he stated.
By number:
- At least 12,316 women have been killed in the ongoing conflict.
- Beyond deaths, 2,000 women and girls now live with permanent disabilities from amputations, and 162 have contracted infectious diseases.
- The conflict has left 13,901 women widowed and over 17,000 mothers mourning the loss of their children, with more than 50,000 pregnant women losing their unborn babies.
- The siege and aid blockade continue to exacerbate catastrophic living conditions in Gaza.
Go deeper:
As global attention turns to Women’s Day, these figures demand a reassessment of international responses and policies toward the Israeli war crimes in Gaza.
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Hossein Vaez ghasemi
