UN Women: 70% of Gaza War Victims are Women and Children, Urgent Call for Ceasefire and Protection

New York: Women and children in Gaza are disproportionately affected by the ongoing conflict, with an alarming two mothers losing their lives every hour, says UN Women, the United Nations entity for gender equality and empowerment of women. The agency has called for an immediate ceasefire and emphasized the need to protect women and girls, ensuring their access to humanitarian assistance. According to the executive director of UN Women, Sima Bahous, approximately 70 percent of the casualties in Gaza are women and children, with over 24,620 Palestinian lives lost, including 16,000 women and children. The current situation is a humanitarian crisis, with women and girls facing deprivation of basic necessities and enduring gender-based violence. UN Women has also expressed concern over the accounts of sexual violence during the conflict, calling for accountability for the perpetrators. The agency urges all parties involved to prioritize peace and protect the lives and well-being of women and children caught in the midst of the conflict.