25 November 2025
Amal Syam, Director General of the Women’s Affairs Center (WAC) in Gaza, said that the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women comes this year amid the ongoing war on Gaza, which has sharply increased levels of violence, risk, and loss among women and girls.
Amal Syam stated that repeated displacement, overcrowded shelters, and lack of privacy have severely worsened the protection situation for women, while essential services and support systems have collapsed.
She added that the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence this year highlights violations against Palestinian women, including reported sexual violence against detainees, stressing the importance of documenting testimonies and presenting them to international bodies.
Rising Violence and Humanitarian Impact
Amal Syam noted a sharp increase in violence indicators in 2025, with reported figures showing 69,756 deaths, including 12,400 women, and 170,946 injuries.
She said these figures reflect the scale of the humanitarian catastrophe and its direct impact on women, who are most affected by the loss of safety, shelter, income, and basic services.
She also pointed to a rise in psychological and physical violence, along with the collapse of protection and referral systems due to the destruction of health and social infrastructure.
Call for Protection and Action
Amal Syam called for urgent international protection for Gaza and the West Bank to stop ongoing violations and prevent forced displacement, emphasizing the need for safe shelter, access to health and psychosocial services, and economic support for women.
She stressed the importance of involving women in recovery planning and ensuring proper documentation of violations to support accountability and justice.
Amal Syam concluded by reaffirming the Women’s Affairs Center’s commitment to supporting women in Gaza and advocating for their rights.
