UN Women condemns the attacks on civilians in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory and is deeply alarmed by the devastating impact on women, girls, boys, and men.
We reiterate the UN Secretary-General’s call to all parties to ensure the safety of civilians and civilian infrastructure. International humanitarian law and human rights law must be respected and upheld.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza was dire before these hostilities and has now considerably worsened. This exacts unjustifiable and specific costs on women and girls. The demand to immediately relocate 1.1 million people from northern Gaza does not just mean they are forced to leave their homes-it signifies a tearing away from the fabric of their lives, their communities, and their livelihoods.
We reiterate the Secretary-General’s call today for unrestricted access for humanitarian actors, including the United Nations, to provide aid to the most affected. This is essential to address the desperate, immediate needs of women and children, including to food, water, and protection. We also join in his call for the immediate release and return of hostages.
Time and again, women have led their communities and nations from conflict to peace. That leadership is needed now more than ever.
UN Women has been supporting Palestinian women since 1997 to achieve their social, economic, and political rights. We remain present on the ground to provide support and assistance and will do so for as long as it takes.
