At least 47 women, girls killed each day in Gaza: UN Women calls for ‘full’ ceasefire

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By: Express Global Desk4 min readNew DelhiUpdated: Apr 18, 2026 11:45 AM IST A child searchs for reusable items at a landfill beside a tent camp housing displaced Palestinians in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza Strip, Thursday, April 16, 2026. (AP Photo) Make us preferred source on Google Whatsapp twitter Facebook Reddit PRINT About six months after the ceasefire between Israel and Gaza, a new report reveals that more than 38,000 women and girls — including over 22,000 women and 16,000 girls — were killed in Gaza between October 2023 and December 2025. Published by the United Nations Women — a UN organisation aimed at upholding the rights of women and girls across the globe — the report titled, The Cost of the War in Gaza on Women and Girls, stated that the numbers represent an average of at least 47 women and girls killed per day. The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, halting two years of full-scale war, came into effect in October 2025, leaving Israeli ‌troops in control of a depopulated zone that makes up over half of ​Gaza, ​while Hamas remained ​in power in the narrow, coastal strip, the Associated Press reported. Over ​750 Palestinians have been killed ⁠since then, local medics told AP, while four Israeli soldiers have been killed, with both parties trading blames on each other for violating the deal. Addressing a briefing on Friday, Sofia Calltorp, UN Women Chief of Humanitarian Action, said: “Between October 2023 and December 2025, more than 38,000 women and girls were killed in Gaza, the result of Israeli air bombardment and land military operations. This includes over 22,000 women and 16,000 girls, amounting to an average of at least 47 women and girls killed every day.” The numbers account for the highest proportion of deaths of women and girls in the history of any Gaza conflict. “Women and girls accounted for a proportion of deaths far higher than those observed in previous conflicts in Gaza. Those killed were mothers; they were daughters, sisters, and friends, deeply loved by those around them. They were individuals, with lives and with dreams,” Calltorp emphasised. Even though the ceasefire between the two parties was announced in October 2025, killings of vulnerable groups, including women and girls, have continued over the past few months, the report noted. In her address, Calltorp stated: “Despite the ceasefire announced in October 2025, more than 730 people have been reportedly killed, and more than 2,000 people have been injured over the past six months. We know that women and girls are among those killed, but there is a huge lack of sex- and age-disaggregated data.” Beyond the staggering death toll, close to 11,000 women and girls in Gaza have sustained injuries, which have resulted in lifelong disabilities, it highlighted. Calltorp went on to underline the impact of the war on women and girls, which has crested hurdles for them to access basic human needs such as food, shelter, and healthcare. “Nearly one million women and girls have been displaced repeatedly. Access to water and food have been severely limited, with nearly 79,000 women and girls experiencing crisis level or catastrophic level of food insecurity. Extensive damage to infrastructure has made it impossible for women and girls in Gaza to access their basic needs, like healthcare,” the UN representative noted. The UN Women has called for accountability for the violation of international law by countries, such as Israel, while seeking the protection of women and girls in Gaza. Calltorp, laying down the demands, asserted: “UN Women calls for the ceasefire to be fully implemented. Respect for international law must be upheld. There must be accountability for violations, and the protection of women and girls must be ensured.” The organisation also called for unhindered access to humanitarian aid for women and girls in the conflict zone. “Humanitarian assistance must reach those in need at scale, and without obstruction. And women and girls, they must be placed at the center of response and recovery efforts,” she added. Concluding her speech, she said: “International humanitarian and human rights law have not failed. The failure lies with those who choose to ignore these laws, with those who hold the power to enforce them, and with the profound lack of humanity that has allowed this horror in Gaza to continue.” The Express Global Desk at The Indian Express delivers authoritative, verified, and context-driven coverage of key international developments shaping global politics, policy, and migration trends. The desk focuses on stories with direct relevance for Indian and global audiences, combining breaking news with in-depth explainers and analysis. A major focus area of the desk is US immigration and visa policy, including developments related to student visas, work permits, permanent residency pathways, executive actions, and court rulings. The Global Desk also closely tracks Canada’s immigration, visa, and study policies, covering changes to study permits, post-study work options, permanent residence programmes, and regulatory updates affecting migrants and international students. All reporting from the Global Desk adheres to The Indian Express’ editorial standards, relying on official data, government notifications, court documents, and on-record sources. The desk prioritises clarity, accuracy, and accountability, ensuring readers can navigate complex global systems with confidence. Core Team The Express Global Desk is led by a team of experienced journalists and editors with deep expertise in international affairs and migration policy: Aniruddha Dhar – Senior Assistant Editor with extensive experience in global affairs, international politics, and editorial leadership. Nischai Vats – Deputy Copy Editor specialising in US politics, US visa and immigration policy, and policy-driven international coverage. Mashkoora Khan – Sub-editor focusing on global developments, with a strong emphasis on Canada visa, immigration, and study-related policy coverage. ... Read More Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram