Heba Zayan, the Regional Advisor on Women, Peace, and Security at UN Women, warned of a severe and unprecedented deterioration in the humanitarian conditions faced by women in the Gaza Strip.

Zayan stated that more than 90% of the healthcare facilities in Gaza have suffered total or partial destruction. She explained that this collapse has deprived thousands of women of essential medical care, particularly pregnant and breastfeeding women who lack even the minimum level of healthcare. This also includes women suffering from chronic diseases, elderly women, and cancer survivors whose treatment pathways have been disrupted, in addition to the increasing burdens of displacement and the harsh winter cold.

The Ministry of Health in Gaza confirmed that the continued closure of the crossing is exacerbating patients’ health conditions. It noted that 20,000 people with completed medical referrals are waiting for permission to travel abroad for treatment. The ministry also reported that 1,268 patients have died while awaiting travel approval, while 4,000 cancer patients remain on urgent waiting lists for travel.