UN Women Envoy Calls Israel's War In Gaza A War Against Women

Gazan women cook in refugee camps. (Twitter/@UNHumanRights)

JAKARTA - The UN Women's Office Special Envoy in Palestine Marsye Guimond described Israel's war on the Gaza Strip as a "war against women", citing the alarming number of female casualties as a result of Israel's continuing airstrikes, after visiting the Palestinian enclave for a week.

In an interview with UN News Guimond revealed the "deep impact of the views of the destruction and evacuation" it witnessed, highlighting the "disproportionate impact of war in Gaza against women, with more than 10,000 women killed" since aggression began.

"I returned from Gaza yesterday (Wednesday), this is my first visit to the region since the start of the war. The last time I was there was on October 4," Guimond said, quoted by WAFA June 21.

"We've been watching the war on television for nine months. We have a team in Gaza and partners we've contacted, but I don't think that gives us full reality until you find yourself surrounded by war-induced destruction since you entered the Gaza Strip," he said.

Furthermore, Guimond said, women in Gaza often ask her when the war will end, when they can return home, while many houses are destroyed.

"Women in Gaza face daily challenges in accessing basic services, bearing additional burdens in caring for children, parents and persons with disabilities, whose numbers are increasing due to war," he explained.

She said UN Women and organizations in Gaza played an important war in supporting society and resilience. Despite the difficult conditions, these organizations continue to provide vital services, including psychosocial support, Guimond said.

"It's hard to forget when passing through some parts of Khan Younis that were affected by the devastation. You see destruction everywhere, people live in some buildings that are destroyed and on the streets, trying to get food or water," he said.

Guimond also highlighted the narrower area occupied by Gaza refugees, compared to the previous area of refuge.

"Everyone I meet has a very terrible story," he said.

"Although the war clearly affects all members of society, we rarely see the death rates and injuries of women like this," Guimond concluded.