The International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on 25 November, followed by the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence, is a moment to reflect on, renew, amplify, and strategize to achieve commitments to eliminate violence against women by 2030.

As we mark this significant day, we must not forget the ongoing assault on Palestinian women’s dignity and rights has taken on new and terrifying dimensions, as thousands have become victims of war crimes, crimes against humanity and an unfolding genocide.

Israel’s brutal war in Gaza exemplifies this tragic reality, as it continues to take a heavy toll on the lives of women and children with each passing day.

A report from the UN reveals that women and children make up 70 percent of the deaths in Gaza.

According to the UN Population Fund, about 50,000 pregnant women in the Gaza Strip lack access to essential health services and over 5,500 women are expected to give birth, all in the absence of adequate medical facilities. 

If Israel continues to block humanitarian aid from entering Gaza, many of these pregnant women will have no safe place to give birth, with most likely to experience complications.

The lack of food and water also adversely impact the health and well-being of pregnant and breastfeeding women because of their higher daily water and caloric intake requirements.  

Some reports have even described women giving birth by emergency C-section with no power, using only the light of mobile phones. These women, living in a constant state of fear, discomfort and depression, are desperately seeking a safe environment to bring their unborn children into the world.

There should be a much greater international effort to protect Gaza’s women and children, who are the most vulnerable in this conflict.

Since this latest escalation, the estimate of women and girls in dire need of humanitarian assistance in Gaza has gone up from 650,000 to 800,000. 

There is also an escalation in the West Bank, where the demolition of public infrastructure, revocation of work permits, increased settler violence and detentions have significantly impacted the lives and livelihoods of women.  

While all women and girls affected by this conflict have suffered, it has been particularly devastating for mothers who have lost multiple children, witnessed them being maimed and gravely injured, or don’t know their whereabouts.

Even though women are often the hardest hit by wars, including in Gaza, they are more than just victims; they are crucial figures in the efforts to build peace. Like everyone else, Gaza Women hope for an end to this war, and look forward to the day when women are not the most affected during war but, rather, the most influential in the peace-building efforts.