'Life has stopped. We didn’t sleep all night, paralyzed' – Women of Gaza report intolerable toll of the war
Photo: UNICEF/UNI766933/Nateel
Since 18 March, Israel’s renewed and intensified attacks on Gaza have killed hundreds of civilians, including women and children, and over 142,000 newly displaced persons have nowhere to run for safety.
No aid has entered Gaza since early March – the longest suspension of humanitarian aid since 7 October 2023 – and only six days’ worth of food is left.
Women’s lives, health, and dignity are at grave risk, as an exhausted population finds no respite from war and destruction. Pregnant women are particularly vulnerable – 50 per cent of them face high-risk pregnancy and malnutrition is already high among women and children.
What women of Gaza told us
UN Women spoke to women in Gaza this week and they reported intolerable horror.
“Where do we go? We fled to Al-Miraj land, tried to settle...Where do we go now?” – Hayam, Al-Miraj, Rafah, Gaza
“We’re glued to the news. Life has stopped. We didn’t sleep all night, paralyzed. We can’t leave!” – Hayam, Al-Miraj, Rafah, Gaza
“From 2 a.m., fire belts lit the sky—strikes every 10 minutes.” – Hanin, Deir al-Balah, Central Gaza
“At 2:30 a.m., we prepared suhoor, then heard children and women screaming.” – Suad, Khan Younis
Nearly 800 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since the resumption of Israeli bombardment on 18 March. Eight women were killed by airstrikes every hour on 18 March, between 2:10 a.m. and 12 p.m. This attack stands as one of the deadliest since 7 October 2023.
“I've lived through hunger, siege, and war, but last night was different. It held every kind of pain and humiliation." – Suad, Khan Younis
"Over 150 warplanes striking at once. All of Gaza woke to the same bombardment. We're back in the same endless cycle." – Tahani, Gaza City
Call for ceasefire and unimpeded humanitarian assistance
UN Women reiterates the UN Secretary-General’s call for the ceasefire to be respected, for humanitarian aid to reach all people in need. The hostages to be released immediately and unconditionally. International law must always be complied with.
