Maryse Guimond, UN Women Special Representative in Palestine, on Gaza's Humanitarian Crisis: Women's Health and Dignity at Risk – Interview with Al-Qaheera News Channel

In an exclusive interview with Al-Qaheera News Channel, Maryse Guimond, UN Women Special Representative in Palestine, sheds light on the devastating humanitarian situation in Gaza, particularly its impact on women and girls. After a year of conflict, Gaza has been facing unimaginable suffering, from widespread displacement to a collapsing healthcare system. Guimond highlights the urgent need for gender-responsive humanitarian aid and emphasizes the critical role of women-led organizations in supporting the affected communities. 

Al-Qaheera News: We are joined by Maryse Guimond from Cairo, the UN Special Representative for Women in the Palestinian Territories. Welcome.

How do you assess the humanitarian situation for women and girls in the Gaza Strip after a year of war?

Maryse: Good morning.

Sometimes I wonder what words to use to effectively describe the situation that women and girls in Gaza have faced over the past 12 months—the horrors they confront every day. I was there last June, and even though I had been continuously in discussions with people and teams in Gaza, I wasn't fully prepared for what I saw. It defies description.

The level of destruction is unimaginable, and the fact that people have been in this situation for 12 months is difficult to grasp. I will never forget entering through the crossing and witnessing devastation—kilometers of people living in makeshift shelters and tents. They are locked in a space of scarcity.

After my visit in June, I said the women I met told stories of loss, pain, and struggle—difficult for anyone to understand. The situation is not improving; in fact, it is getting worse. My colleagues who have been there since confirm it has deteriorated further.

We need to recognize that 90% of the population—1.9 million people—has been displaced multiple times. Some of the people I met had been displaced five to seven times. Now, many have moved 10 times. Every time they move, they lose more. The little they salvaged after the first displacement is often gone by the second or third move. Entire communities and families have been dismantled or wiped out.

It is extremely hard to convey how dire the situation is. People live in smaller, unsafe spaces, often told to move to safer areas that turn out to be unsafe. The situation is extremely difficult, to say the least.

Al-Qaheera News: How are the health conditions, specifically for women and girls in Gaza, according to what you've seen?

Maryse: We issued a gender alert last month indicating that 30% of women—around 177,000—faced life-threatening health risks, with 84% of health facilities either damaged or destroyed.

Around 162,000 women suffer from chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and cancer but have limited access to care. Pregnant and lactating women also face dire conditions. Only 19 out of 36 hospitals remain partially functional, with many destroyed.

The respect I have for the medical staff in Gaza is immense. For 12 months, they have tried to offer services, often without medications or equipment. Itt is a very difficult situation, one exacerbated by the blockade and occupation—17 and 57 years, respectively—before the war even began.

Aid efforts are obstructed, and we are working under incredibly challenging conditions. All land crossings need to open so aid can reach across Gaza. Roads and infrastructure have been severely damaged, further complicating delivery efforts.

Women are skipping meals to ensure other family members can eat. Health challenges are intensifying—some women shave their heads because there is no soap or water, leading to infectious diseases. The hardships persist, week after week, month after month.

Al-Qaheera News: What are the key priorities for safeguarding women and girls during the ongoing escalation?

Maryse: The first priority is to end the war. Every day it continues, more lives are lost, including those of women and girls. The social fabric of Gaza is unraveling, with families and communities torn apart.

Women-led organizations have been crucial throughout this crisis, supporting women, girls, and communities. These organizations have been displaced multiple times, with offices destroyed, and they face reduced funding just when their services are needed most. It is essential they receive the resources required to continue their work.

Safeguarding dignity is equally important. When I spoke with women in Gaza, they shared how losing their homes and loved ones also meant losing their dignity. Ensuring their dignity is respected must be at the core of humanitarian efforts.

It is also important to recognize that men, women, boys, and girls have different needs and concerns, and we must respond accordingly.

Al-Qaheera News: Ms. Maryse, tell us about the situation of the Palestinian displaced in Rafah based on what you saw.

Maryse: People in Rafah urgently need access to water, healthcare, and essential services. They are being displaced into smaller spaces, leading to extreme overcrowding. Living conditions are dire, with minimal resources available.

Spending 12 months in this situation is unimaginable. I was there for eight days, and it was extremely difficult. The resilience of the women and girls I met was inspiring. Many young girls spoke about their hopes for the future, asking when the war would end and when they could return home.

We have shared the story of a 14-year-old girl named Leen on our website. I encourage everyone to read her story and understand what she has endured.

Al-Qaheera News: Thank you, Maryse Guimond, the UN Special Representative for Women in Palestine.

Maryse: Thank you for having us.