Severe Food Insecurity Threatens 557,000 Women in Gaza: UN Report
A recent UN report has revealed that over 557,000 women in the Gaza Strip are grappling with severe food insecurity. The situation is particularly alarming for mothers and adult women, who often prioritize feeding their families over themselves, facing more significant challenges than men in accessing food.
According to the report by UN Women, many women are forced to skip meals or reduce their intake to ensure their children are fed. The burdens on women during conflicts have increased, restricting their access to essential services and endangering their health and food security. The risks of gender-based violence have also surged under these conditions.
UN Women highlighted the impact of food insecurity on women in Gaza, noting that they struggle to protect their children’s physical and psychological well-being while shouldering increased caregiving and household responsibilities, especially in tents and overcrowded homes.
A high risk of famine looms over #Gaza due to ongoing conflict and restricted humanitarian access.
— UN Women (@UN_Women) June 27, 2024
Women are the most affected, with over 557,000 facing severe food insecurity and increased gender-based vulnerabilities.
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The report pointed out that food insecurity and malnutrition are rampant in Gaza. Seven out of ten women interviewed by UN Women reported losing weight in the past 30 days, with more than half experiencing frequent dizziness.
Over 80 percent of these women rely on food aid as their primary source of nutrition. However, many believe that food aid distribution is not equitable, failing to consider family size.
The UN report also highlighted the high health risks faced by pregnant and breastfeeding women due to inadequate health and nutritional care. It revealed that 76 percent of pregnant women are anemic, and 99 percent face challenges accessing essential nutritional and supplementary supplies, threatening the health of both mothers and newborns.
The situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, with women bearing a disproportionate share of the burden, making urgent intervention and equitable aid distribution crucial.
