UN Representative recounts overwhelming devastation wrought by continuous airstrikes in Gaza


(MENAFN) In a poignant reflection on her recent visit to the Gaza Strip, Marcy Gimond, the United Nations Women Representative in Palestine, recounted the overwhelming devastation wrought by continuous airstrikes. She described how entire families have been wiped out in some of these attacks, with every individual she met sharing a deeply distressing story. The widespread destruction is evident everywhere, with people forced to live in destroyed buildings and struggling to secure basic needs like food and water. Large areas now consist of makeshift tents serving as temporary shelters.

Gimond revealed the grim statistics: over 10,000 women have been killed by Israeli occupation forces since the war began, including 6,000 mothers. This horrific toll has left more than 19,000 children orphaned. Gimond stressed the immediate need for the war to end, declaring, "It is time for this war to end."

After spending a week in Gaza, Gimond highlighted the severe and disproportionate impact of the conflict on women. She called for a prompt ceasefire and a lasting political resolution to guarantee safety and dignity for all residents of Gaza. The scenes of destruction and displacement profoundly affected her, with many women expressing their anguish and uncertainty about when the war would end and when they could return to their homes, many of which have been destroyed.

The daily life of women in Gaza is fraught with challenges in accessing essential services. They bear the additional burden of caring for children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities, whose numbers have surged due to the war. Gimond praised United Nations Women's initiatives to support women in Gaza, emphasizing the vital role played by women-led organizations in the Strip. Despite the extreme hardships, these organizations continue to provide essential services, including psychosocial support, showcasing incredible resilience and dedication to their communities.

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