Amal Syam, Director General of the Women’s Affairs Center (WAC) in Gaza, stated that this year’s International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women comes amid the ongoing war on Gaza, which has led to an unprecedented increase in violence, risks, and losses affecting Palestinian women and girls. Amal Syam emphasized that the war has not only caused widespread destruction but has also severely undermined protection systems, leaving women without basic safety, dignity, and essential support services.
Amal Syam: Displacement and the Collapse of Essential Services Have Worsened Women’s Suffering
Amal Syam explained that repeated displacement, overcrowded shelters, and the lack of privacy have significantly increased women’s exposure to violence and exploitation. She added that the collapse of essential services and support networks has left thousands of women and girls facing extremely difficult humanitarian conditions, with limited access to protection, healthcare, and psychosocial services.
She further noted that this year’s 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign highlights the ongoing violations against Palestinian women, including reports of sexual violence against detained women. Amal Syam stressed the importance of documenting survivors’ testimonies and submitting them to relevant international bodies to support accountability and justice.
Rising Violence and the Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
Amal Syam pointed to the sharp increase in violence indicators during 2025, noting that officially reported figures recorded 69,756 fatalities, including 12,400 women, as well as 170,946 injuries. She said these figures reflect the scale of the humanitarian catastrophe and its disproportionate impact on women, who continue to bear the greatest burden through the loss of family members, homes, livelihoods, and access to essential services.
She also highlighted the growing prevalence of psychological and physical violence, alongside the collapse of protection and referral systems caused by the destruction of Gaza’s health and social infrastructure. According to Amal Syam, these conditions have further increased the vulnerability of women and limited their access to critical support.
Amal Syam Calls for Urgent International Protection
Amal Syam called on the international community to provide urgent protection for both the Gaza Strip and the West Bank in order to stop ongoing violations and prevent forced displacement. She also emphasized the need to establish safe shelters, ensure access to healthcare and mental health services, and expand economic support programs for women affected by the war.
In conclusion, Amal Syam stressed the importance of ensuring women’s meaningful participation in recovery and reconstruction efforts while guaranteeing the proper documentation of violations to support accountability and justice. She reaffirmed the Women’s Affairs Center’s commitment to continuing its work in defending the rights of Palestinian women and providing them with the support they need amid the worsening humanitarian crisis.
