What Is the Current Situation in the Israel-Gaza Crisis?

On October 7, 2023, Hamas launched a terrorist attack on Israel that killed 1,200 people. Hamas took 240 women, children, and men hostage. The evidence of the brutal use of violence and rape as a weapon of war by Hamas against women and girls in Israel cannot be denied.

The ongoing war in Gaza has killed more than 36,000 Palestinians. About 52 percent of those killed have been women and children. Out of 2.2 million people in Gaza, 1.9 million, including nearly 1 million women and girls, are internally displaced and barely surviving in inhumane and unlivable conditions.

WRC's Priorities for the Israel-Gaza Crisis

First and foremost, we call for an immediate end to the hostilities to prevent further human suffering. We urge a total ceasefire and the unconditional, immediate release of all hostages. All parties must immediately stop all attacks on civilians and infrastructure and uphold international human rights and humanitarian law and all relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions, including on Women, Peace, and Security, to end violations of human rights of all civilians, including women, girls, and marginalized groups. There is no safe place in Gaza and the Women’s Refugee Commission is deeply concerned about the worsening humanitarian catastrophe.

• We are concerned about the lack of access to sexual and reproductive health rights and services in Gaza, particularly given the damage to hospitals and health facilities.
• The impact of the war on the mental health of women and girls will be severe and long-lasting. Providing mental health services will be critical. Safe spaces for women and girls must be established.
• We are concerned about the destruction of institutions, systems, and community cohesion in Gaza that normally support girls’ development, protect them from violence, and uphold their human rights.
• We urge donors to reverse decisions to withhold funds from the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) and support its continued and vital operations without interruption.

WRC’s Advocacy on the Israel-Gaza Crisis

WRC is committed to ensuring the needs and rights of those displaced and impacted by the Israel-Gaza crisis are protected. Below is a list of WRC’s advocacy work during this crisis.