The conflict in Gaza is taking a catastrophic toll on women and girls, who continue to experience trauma, repeated displacement and fear. The lack of access to adequate food, clean water, sanitation and health care, in addition to a lack of waste management, are trapping people in a vicious cycle of suffering, as malnutrition continues to increase vulnerability to disease and infection. Pregnant and breastfeeding women – and their newborns – are particularly vulnerable.

Around 1.9 million people – nine in 10 Gazans – have been displaced at least once. An estimated 43,580 are pregnant women. Each evacuation order upends lives, and in no place can survival be guaranteed. The upheaval also makes it more difficult for women and girls to access essential maternal health and protection services.

While all eyes are on Gaza, Palestinians in the West Bank and East Jerusalem are also experiencing alarming levels of ongoing violence. Movement restrictions are preventing civilians 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 six 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 3 September 2024