ICSPR Issues a Fact Sheet Titled: “Genocide Shortens the Biological Lifespan of Gaza’s Women”
Date: May 30, 2025
Press Release
ICSPR Issues a Fact Sheet Titled: “Genocide Shortens the Biological Lifespan of Gaza’s Women”
The International Commission to Support Palestinian People’s Rights (ICSPR) has published a new fact sheet titled: “Genocide Shortens the Biological Lifespan of Gaza’s Women”, authored by legal researcher Lubna Deeb, in commemoration of the International Day of Action for Women’s Health. The report highlights the catastrophic humanitarian and health conditions endured by women in Gaza amidst the ongoing Israeli aggression that began on October 7, 2023.
The fact sheet emphasizes that women constitute the largest proportion of victims, due to direct targeting of civilians—particularly following the violation of the ceasefire agreement on March 18, 2025, and the closure of humanitarian crossings since March 2, which has suffocated life in Gaza and exacerbated the health crisis.
Women’s Health as a Direct Target in the War of Genocide
The fact sheet documents the scale of health violations against women, noting that health has topped the list of Israeli violations through the destruction of hospitals, closure of clinics and health centers, and the killing and detention of medical staff. This comes in addition to widespread disease outbreaks in displacement camps and exposure to toxic substances resulting from the bombings.
Alarming Figures on Women’s Health in Gaza:
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99.2% of women suffer from respiratory and eye diseases due to cooking with open fire after gas supplies were cut.
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Thousands of women suffer from hearing problems due to constant explosions.
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30,841 women are at risk of developing diabetes, 107,443 with hypertension, 18,583 with cardiovascular diseases, and 5,201 have cancer.
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68% of pregnant women experienced severe complications: 92% urinary tract issues, 76% anemia, 28% preterm labor.
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46,300 pregnant women face catastrophic levels of hunger; 557,000 women suffer from acute food insecurity.
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155,000 pregnant and breastfeeding women face major challenges in accessing maternal healthcare.
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Rising rates of fetal deformities and malnutrition, placing 3,500 infants at risk of death.
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Severe shortage of sanitary pads, diapers for elderly and disabled women, and access to hygiene supplies.
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Over 90% of female prisoners have experienced abuse, medical neglect, or harassment in Israeli prisons.
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100% of women have been exposed to psychological trauma; 84% report chronic depression, 72% suffer from nightmares and anxiety.
Causes of the Health Catastrophe:
1. Targeting Health Facilities:
The occupation has destroyed at least 36 hospitals and clinics, in clear violation of the Geneva Conventions, depriving women of basic healthcare.
2. Siege and Border Closures:
Israel has blocked the entry of medical aid and food, restricted travel for treatment, and deprived women of essential survival needs.
3. Displacement and Tents:
More than 77% of Gaza’s population has been forcibly displaced. Women now suffer from bone and joint conditions due to carrying heavy loads and lack of proper shelter.
4. Water Contamination:
99% of women are drinking polluted water; 90% of desalination plants are shut down, leading to widespread illness and skin infections.
5. Deliberate Starvation:
Israel has weaponized food by preventing its entry, halting food aid programs, and driving prices beyond reach—leading to widespread wasting, weakness, and hunger, especially among the elderly, pregnant, and disabled.
Impact on Women’s Roles Due to Health Collapse:
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Social: 48% of women experience isolation and loss of communication.
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Professional: 87% suffer from frequent dizziness, and 5–10 women faint daily due to exhaustion.
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Family responsibilities: 99% are primary caregivers for elderly relatives, disabled individuals, and children—amid lack of healthcare and increasing physical strain.
Recommendations:
ICSPR calls for the following urgent actions:
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Immediate cessation of the genocide, initiation of healthcare system repair, and evacuation of the injured for external treatment.
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Access for UN rapporteurs and human rights organizations to inspect prisons and healthcare facilities.
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Prosecution of Israeli officials before the International Criminal Court, and the imposition of sanctions.
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Unrestricted entry of medical and humanitarian aid and the permanent opening of crossings.
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Full implementation of CEDAW and an end to all forms of discrimination against women in Gaza during armed conflict.
ICSPR concludes that what women in Gaza are enduring constitutes an act of genocide, a grave breach of international humanitarian law, and calls for urgent international intervention to protect women and save what remains of life in the besieged Strip.
