One year on, women and girls in Gaza continue to face a myriad of challenges, deprived of the basics to survive – food, shelter, health care and safety. 

Around 1.9 million people – nine in 10 Gazans – have been displaced at least once, moving from one unsafe place to another. An estimated 43,580 are pregnant women. Families have been forced into an ever-shrinking space. Shelters are overcrowded and sanitation conditions are dire, increasing women and girls’ risks to violence, infection and disease. A lack of access to maternal and newborn care is also elevating health risks for pregnant women and new mothers, exacerbated by high levels of malnutrition.

While all eyes are on Gaza, Palestinians in the West Bank and East Jerusalem are also experiencing alarming levels of ongoing violence. Movement restrictions are preventing civilians from reaching their schools, work, family and health facilities – including the 73,000 women who are currently pregnant.

To support the women and girls of Gaza, UNFPA and partners have delivered six mobile maternity units, equipped to provide emergency obstetric care. Life-saving medicines and essential hygiene supplies – including soap and sanitary pads – have been delivered to hospitals, health facilities and displaced women and girls since the war began. In the West Bank, UNFPA is supporting services in six safe spaces and deploying mobile clinics to provide reproductive health services.

Updated 2 October 2024