Six months after the ceasefire, and as regional developments shift global attention, UN Women warns that women and girls in Gaza remain at critical risk, calling for adherence to the ceasefire, international law, and the protection of women and girls, alongside unimpeded humanitarian assistance at scale
CAIRO / GENEVA / NEW YORK – Six months after the ceasefire in Gaza, women and girls continue to face severe and persistent risks, as humanitarian needs remain critical and recovery conditions remain fragile. A new analysis published by UN Women shows that more than 38,000 women and girls—including over 22,000 women and 16,000 girls—were killed in Gaza between October 2023 and December 2025, representing an average of at least 47 women and girls killed per day.
Despite the ceasefire announced in October 2025, reports indicate that killings of women and girls have persisted in recent months, underscoring that the threats to their lives remain ongoing.
The report, entitled The Cost of the War in Gaza on Women and Girls, also highlights that nearly 11,000 women and girls sustained injuries resulting in lifelong disabilities.
The actual number of casualties is likely higher, as many bodies remain trapped under rubble, while the collapse of health information systems has significantly constrained the documentation of deaths and injuries.
“The impact of the war on women and girls has been devastating. On top of the massive death toll, the war has reshaped families, with tens of thousands of households now headed by women. Many face increased economic hardship and heightened risks while carrying the full burden of caregiving and survival”, said Moez Doraid, UN Women Regional Director for the Arab States.
“We need to see the ceasefire in full effect, with full compliance with its terms, respect for international law, strengthened accountability, and the protection of women and girls alongside unimpeded humanitarian assistance at scale. Women and girls must be at the centre of response and recovery, and meaningful participation in peacebuilding and reconstruction”, said Doraid.
UN Women remains on the ground in Gaza partnering with women-led and women’s rights organizations, providing funding, coordination, and technical support. Together with the UN system, humanitarian partners, and women’s organizations, UN Women works to reach all women and girls with lifesaving assistance and to ensure that women’s organizations are funded and represented in decision-making and reconstruction efforts.
The number of women and girls killed is an estimation made by UN Women based on the Health Cluster Dashboard, data as of 31 December 2025, accessed on 20 March 2026. The average daily fatality estimate is calculated over the full reference period and is presented as a period average. Reported daily fatalities varied over time and should not be interpreted as a constant daily rate due to changes in the intensity of hostilities and limitations in fatality recording and reporting.
hosnysalah is a Palestinian photographer currently living in Palestine Gaza Strip
