On Friday, UN Women issued a stark warning regarding the devastating impact of the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip, stating that women and girls have “borne the brunt” of what they describe as a genocidal war.

The conflict has resulted in the deaths of over 50,251 Palestinians and injuries to 114,025 others. Maryse Guimond, UN Women’s Special Representative in Palestine, emphasized the urgent need to protect the rights and dignity of those affected, particularly women and girls.

Guimond spoke from Jerusalem at the Palais des Nations, detailing the catastrophic consequences following the end of a fragile ceasefire in Gaza. She reported that between March 18 and March 25 alone, 830 people were killed—174 of whom were women and 322 were children.

This translates to an average of 21 women and over 40 children killed daily during that period. “This is not collateral damage; this is a war where women and children bear the highest burden,” she stated, noting that they account for nearly 60 percent of recent casualties.

The representative conveyed harrowing testimonies from women and girls in Gaza who expressed their desperation for an end to the violence. Many reported feeling trapped with nowhere safe to go. One woman from Deir Al Balah remarked, “My mother says, ‘Death is the same, whether in Gaza City or Deir al-Balah… We just want to return to Gaza.’” Another woman shared her fear: “We’re glued to the news. Life has stopped. We didn’t sleep all night, paralyzed.”

Guimond highlighted that humanitarian aid has been halted since March 2nd due to Israeli restrictions, putting lives at further risk as bombardments resumed on March 18. Reflecting on the brief ceasefire period, she noted it had provided some respite for residents who began repairing their homes and reconnecting with their communities. However, with renewed violence, hope has dissipated.

“For now, 539 days, the relentless war has ravaged Gaza,” Guimond stated. “This is not merely a conflict; it is a war on women—on their dignity, their bodies, their very survival.” She called for urgent action to uphold international humanitarian law and ensure equal treatment for all individuals affected by this crisis.

In her closing remarks, Guimond reiterated calls for a respected ceasefire and unimpeded humanitarian access to alleviate suffering in Gaza.

She stressed that “the world seems to be standing by, normalizing what should never be normalized,” urging global leaders to take decisive action against ongoing atrocities.

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