Approximately 123,000 families in the Gaza Strip are currently being led and supported by women following the death of their primary breadwinners, according to figures released by the Ministry of Women Affairs in Gaza. The data, compiled in collaboration with the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics, underscores the extensive social and economic impact of the ongoing conflict in the region.
Amira Haroun, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Women Affairs, reported that since the start of the Israeli military operations in October 2023, around 50,000 women and girls in Gaza have been either killed or seriously injured. More than 38,000 fatalities and approximately 11,700 cases of lasting injuries or permanent disabilities have been documented, equating to roughly one in every 21 females in the Gaza Strip affected directly by violence. Haroun noted that these violations have continued even after a ceasefire was declared in October 2025, with over 277 women and girls killed that year alone.
Displacement has also significantly affected women and girls in Gaza, with more than 150 forced evacuation orders issued since the onset of hostilities. These orders have displaced nearly one million women and girls, creating severe humanitarian challenges. Presently, about 258,927 displaced families reside in 2,090 shelters often lacking basic necessities. Haroun highlighted that among this population, nearly 702,000 women and girls are facing acute food insecurity during the July-December 2026 period.
Tragically, the conflict has also had a profound impact on maternal health. Approximately 4,000 miscarriages were recorded in the first half of 2026, a triple increase compared to the latter half of 2023. This surge is attributed to the deterioration of healthcare services, psychological stress, and displacement conditions.
The number of widows in Gaza has reached 64,413, with 28,580 women losing their husbands since the war began. In total, 228,244 women have been widowed during the broader conflict, while the number of orphaned children has risen to 71,846. These figures reveal the heavy toll borne by female heads of household, who must now provide for shelter, food, and water amid ongoing hardship.
Haroun also drew attention to the situation of Palestinian female detainees, stating that more than 800 women have been arrested by Israeli authorities since October 2023. As of October 2026, approximately 90 Palestinian women remain in Israeli custody, part of a total detainee population nearing 9,300, which includes individuals held without formal charges.
The Ministry of Women Affairs called on the international community, including United Nations agencies and human rights organizations, to hold Israel accountable for its actions against women and to intervene urgently to end the blockade and military operations. They urged the expansion of social protection programs, emergency financial aid, legal counseling, psychosocial support, and the development of shelter services tailored to the needs of female-headed households and survivors of violence.
Haroun emphasized that Palestinian women continue to face complex and compounded pressures stemming from the conflict, displacement, and economic collapse, underscoring the urgent need for international support to address these humanitarian crises.