GAZA /PNN /

In the midst of the ongoing crisis in Gaza, testimonies of fear and desperation from women and girls emphasize the urgent need for safety and humanitarian assistance. UNFPA stands deeply troubled by the loss of lives in both Israel and occupied Palestinian territory, underscoring the critical importance of prioritizing the safety and well-being of civilians, particularly women and girls.

The United Nations Secretary-General's appeal to revoke the evacuation order from northern Gaza is reiterated by UNFPA, stressing that this directive exacerbates an already dire humanitarian situation. For thousands of women on the brink of childbirth or facing serious health issues, being displaced without safe havens, food, or water intensifies the danger.

With 50,000 pregnant women struggling to access essential healthcare services in Gaza, UNFPA is alarmed as hospitals face a collapse, lacking electricity and crucial medical supplies. UNFPA strives to aid pregnant women and newborns by providing essential medicines and deploying midwives, emphasizing the necessity of uninterrupted humanitarian access to ensure lifesaving aid reaches them.

In this crisis, UNFPA implores all parties to adhere to international humanitarian law, calling for the immediate release of hostages and an end to attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure. Above all, healthcare facilities must never be targeted, and peace is urged to prevail, sparing all women and girls from unfathomable violence and suffering.