Full Breakdown
The Impact of Israeli Attacks on Women and Girls in Gaza
4/18/2026, 2:19:40 AM
Overview of the Humanitarian Crisis
Between October 2023 and December 2025, Israeli military operations in the Gaza Strip resulted in the deaths of over 38,000 women and girls, according to a report by UN Women. This figure represents more than half of the total estimated death toll of over 71,000, which is projected to rise to over 72,000 by mid-April 2026. The report highlights that an average of at least 47 women and girls were killed daily during this period, a significantly higher proportion compared to previous conflicts in Gaza.
Continuing Violence Despite Ceasefire
Despite a ceasefire agreement established in October 2025, violence has persisted. Reports indicate that Israeli forces have committed numerous violations, including killings and attacks on civilians. For instance, recent strikes have resulted in the deaths of individuals, including children, in areas that were believed to be outside the conflict zone. The Gaza Ministry of Health reported that at least 765 people have died since the ceasefire began, with ongoing attacks raising concerns about the safety of civilians.
The Gendered Impact of the Conflict
UN Women emphasized that the war has disproportionately affected women and girls, who now account for a higher percentage of casualties than in previous conflicts. The agency's spokesperson, Sofia Calltorp, noted that the violence has led to nearly 11,000 women and girls suffering injuries that will result in lifelong disabilities. Furthermore, the conflict has reshaped family structures in Gaza, with many households now led by women who have lost their husbands.
Humanitarian Conditions and Displacement
The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire, with nearly one million women and girls displaced and facing severe food insecurity. UN Women reported that approximately 790,000 females are experiencing crisis-level or catastrophic food shortages. The ongoing violence and destruction of infrastructure have severely restricted access to essential services, exacerbating the already critical conditions for women and girls.
Criticism and International Response
Critics of Israel's military actions have described the situation as a "genocidal war" against the Palestinian population. Human rights organizations have called for international intervention and accountability for the ongoing violence and humanitarian crisis. A group of former European officials recently urged the European Union to suspend its association agreement with Israel due to systematic violations of international law.
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
There are discrepancies in casualty figures reported by different sources. While UN Women and Palestinian health authorities provide estimates of over 71,000 deaths, other reports suggest the numbers could be higher due to unreported casualties buried under rubble. Additionally, the exact number of women and girls killed since the ceasefire remains unclear, with ongoing violence complicating data collection.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Women and girls accounted for a proportion of deaths far higher than those observed in previous conflicts in Gaza,” — Sofia Calltorp, UN Women
- “The war has not ended. As long as blood is spilled every day, the war has not ended.” — Abdul Raouf Rihan, father of a victim
The ongoing conflict in Gaza continues to have devastating effects on women and girls, raising urgent calls for humanitarian assistance and international action to address the crisis.
