Gaza is enduring severe suffering. As of 3 July, the Palestinian Ministry of Health reports 37,953 Palestinians killed and 87,266 injured. Food security, shelter, health, and livelihood resources are critically low. About 1.9 million people are displaced, often repeatedly, living in tents, overcrowded shelters, or on the streets without basic necessities. Many residents feel hopeless, with little prospect of returning home or ending the conflict. Women and adolescent girls, particularly those displaced, widowed, or unaccompanied, are at high risk of gender-based violence (GBV). Older women and those with disabilities face additional challenges, including limited access to aid and difficulty fleeing attacks.
Since October, humanitarian aid has faced severe obstacles, including security risks, crossing point closures, and bureaucratic hurdles impeding life-saving assistance. The breakdown of law and order has increased theft and violence, endangering humanitarian workers and operations. Doctors report rising numbers of preterm and low-birth-weight babies, indicators of severe malnutrition exacerbated by stress and fear among pregnant women.
In June 2024, UNFPA supported essential sexual reproductive health (SRH) and GBV services in Gaza and the West Bank. Key actions included:
- Distributing life-saving SRH equipment and supplies.
- Establishing two maternal health units for emergency obstetric care.
- Providing menstrual hygiene products to thousands of women and girls.
- Supporting mobile medical points and deploying SRH teams to shelters.
- Impacting 11,692 individuals through GBV prevention efforts and benefiting 5,836 women, adolescents, and children with psychosocial support sessions.
- Supporting youth-led initiatives with 800 young volunteers, enhancing social cohesion and addressing urgent community needs.
- Conducting awareness sessions on sexual exploitation and abuse and offering remote counseling through the Shubbak il Shabab helpline.
UNFPA continues to lead SRH and GBV response efforts in Gaza and the West Bank, ensuring life-saving services and protection for women and girls.
