News Center- Israel started a war on the Gaza Strip on October 7, 2023, killing, injuring and displacing thousands of Palestinians. Women were the most affected by this war. On January 15, 2025, a ceasefire agreement was reached between Hamas and Israel and came into effect on January 19, 2025. Since the ceasefire, women’s organizations and associations, which were active during the war, have been doing their best to support women and girls in Gaza although they face many challenges because of the destruction of their headquarters and internet blackouts in many places.

‘We kept working despite the war’

“Women’s organizations did not stop providing support to women and girls during the war,” said Suhair Khader, President of the Union of Palestinian Women's Committees (UPWC). “We provided psychological and financial support to women and girls for one year and three months.”

‘Women's economic empowerment is needed’

The union has provided support to women from all ages and all strata, Suhair Khader told us, stressing that 75 percent of the victims in the war were women and children. “Many women have become the breadwinners for their families since they lost their parents and husbands. Women’s economic empowerment is needed for them. The war on Gaza forcibly displaced women multiple times.”

‘We will form a network with international organizations’

Following the ceasefire, displaced Palestinians have returned to their homes in northern Gaza. “People, who returned to their homes in Jabalia, Beit Lahia, and Beit Hanoun need basic supplies such as water, electricity, food, and clothing. As the union, we will form a network with international organizations in order to provide support to women and girls.

‘Women need psychological support’

The difficult living conditions caused by the war have not ended yet, Suhair Khader emphasized. “Women and girls were in need of various services during the war; however, we could not reach them due to Israel’s attacks. Women, who have lost their children and families, need psychological support to overcome trauma suffered by them. As the union, we work coordinately with health institutions so that women can benefit from health services.”