Story perspectives

UN Women Reports 38,000 Women Killed in Gaza Conflict

4/17/2026

Summary

Story summary

UN Women reported over 38,000 women and girls killed in Gaza from October 2023 to December 2025, averaging 47 deaths daily.
Despite a ceasefire in October 2025, fatalities persist, and one million women and girls remain displaced.
Sofia Calltorp, head of humanitarian action at UN Women, highlighted the unprecedented toll on women and girls amid ongoing violence and insufficient gender-aggregated data.
The World Health Organization stated that over 500,000 women lack essential healthcare services, including antenatal care.
UNICEF reported at least 214 child casualties in the past six months.

History

Historical Context

The Gaza conflict intensified in 2021, resulting in over 250 Palestinian deaths, including many women and children. This escalation reflects a long history of violence, with previous conflicts, such as the 2014 Gaza War, leading to significant civilian casualties and humanitarian crises. The ongoing violence has created a dire situation, with over 500,000 women lacking essential healthcare services, highlighting the urgent need for international intervention.

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Story summary

UN Women reported over 38,000 women and girls killed in Gaza from October 2023 to December 2025, averaging 47 deaths daily.
Despite a ceasefire in October 2025, fatalities persist, and one million women and girls remain displaced.
Sofia Calltorp, head of humanitarian action at UN Women, highlighted the unprecedented toll on women and girls amid ongoing violence and insufficient gender-aggregated data.
The World Health Organization stated that over 500,000 women lack essential healthcare services, including antenatal care.
UNICEF reported at least 214 child casualties in the past six months.

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