Occupied Palestinian territory
The conflict in Gaza is taking a catastrophic toll on women and girls who are beyond exhausted from constant trauma, displacement and fear.
Around 1 million women and girls have been displaced since October 2023, many of them multiple times, seeking safety across Gaza where none exists. For an estimated 155,000 pregnant and breastfeeding women in particular, the acute shortage of food, water, shelter and access to health facilities is life threatening as communicable diseases surge and a man-made famine looms.
As the health-care system lies in tatters – and fighting and insecurity make it difficult to restock hospitals with critical medicines and supplies – around 5,500 women are giving birth every month.
Risks have increased for women and girls in overcrowded, informal settlements, as providers of services to prevent and respond to gender-based violence are displaced, unable to re-establish services due to a lack of tents, exorbitant rental costs, fuel shortages and rising transportation costs.
While all eyes are on Gaza, Palestinians in the West Bank and East Jerusalem are experiencing an alarming escalation in violence. Movement restrictions are preventing them from reaching their schools, work, family and health facilities – including the 73,000 women who are currently pregnant.
To support the women and girls of Gaza, UNFPA and partners have delivered three mobile maternity units, equipped to provide emergency obstetric care. Life-saving medicines and essential hygiene supplies – including soap and sanitary pads – have been delivered to hospitals, health facilities and displaced women and girls since the war began. In the West Bank, UNFPA is supporting services in six safe spaces and deploying mobile clinics to provide reproductive health services.
Updated 12 June 2024
