Women in the Gaza war#Gaza Strip

A group of United Nations experts expressed alarm regarding the increasing volume of allegations of sexual violence reportedly perpetrated by armed groups against women and girls in Israel on October 7, 2023, and reports of sexual assault and threats of sexual violence against women in the occupied Palestinian territories since October 7.{{Cite web |date=2023-12-14 |title=Occupied Palestinian territory and Israel: UN experts call for permanent ceasefire to protect rights and futures of women and girls |url=https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2023/12/occupied-palestinian-territory-and-israel-un-experts-call-permanent |access-date=2023-12-18 |website=Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights}} The experts called for an independent process of investigation and accountability.

Reem Alsalem, the UN Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls, said that although both genders are affected by these atrocities, women are particularly vulnerable to the consequences.[https://reliefweb.int/report/occupied-palestinian-territory/women-bearing-brunt-israel-gaza-conflict-un-expert Women bearing the brunt of Israel-Gaza conflict: UN expert] Retrieved 9 March 2024

{{Main|Sexual and gender-based violence in the 2023 Hamas-led attack on Israel}}

During the October 7, 2023 attacks by Hamas on Israeli communities, reports emerged of Hamas militants raping, assaulting, and mutilating Israeli women and girls.{{Cite news |last=Glazer |first=Hilo |date=2023-11-30 |title=The Scope of Hamas' Campaign of Rape Against Israeli Women Is Revealed, Testimony After Testimony |url=https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2023-11-30/ty-article-magazine/.highlight/hamas-campaign-of-rape-against-israeli-women-is-revealed-testimony-after-testimony/0000018c-2144-da36-a1de-6767dac90000 |access-date=2023-12-02 |work=Haaretz |language=en}}{{Cite news |last=Rubin |first=Shira |date=2023-11-25 |title=Israel investigates an elusive, horrific enemy: Rape as a weapon of war |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/11/25/israel-hamas-rape-sexual-violence/ |url-access=subscription |access-date=2023-12-02 |newspaper=The Washington Post |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Blake |first=Kenneth |date=2023-11-23 |title=Hamas Raped and Massacred Israeli Women; Is There a Way to Hold Them Legally Accountable? |url=https://www.algemeiner.com/2023/11/23/hamas-raped-and-massacred-israeli-women-is-there-a-way-to-hold-them-legally-accountable/ |access-date=2023-11-29 |website=The Algemeiner |language=en-US}}{{Cite news |last1=Shpigel |first1=Noa |last2=Rozovsky |first2=Liza |date=2023-11-28 |title=Israel Police Presents New Evidence of Sexual Assault by Hamas Terrorists on October 7 |url=https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2023-11-28/ty-article/.premium/israel-police-presents-further-evidence-of-sexual-assault-by-hamas-members-on-october-7/0000018c-169e-dd03-a7ff-bebe1bdb0000 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231128214140/http://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2023-11-28/ty-article/.premium/israel-police-presents-further-evidence-of-sexual-assault-by-hamas-members-on-october-7/0000018c-169e-dd03-a7ff-bebe1bdb0000 |archive-date=2023-11-28 |access-date=2023-11-29 |work=Haaretz |language=en}} Following the attack forensic evidence collection by Israeli authorities confirmed sexual violence.{{Cite web |last=Bob |first=Yonah Jeremy |date=2023-11-21 |title=Israel-Hamas war: Shin Bet interrogations break open Hamas strategy |url=https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-774448 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231128071227/https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-774448 |archive-date=2023-11-28 |access-date=2023-11-29 |website=JPost.com |language=en-US}}{{Cite news |date=24 October 2023 |title=Kill, behead, rape: Interrogated Hamas members detail atrocities against civilians |work=Times of Israel |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/kill-behead-rape-interrogated-hamas-members-detail-atrocities-against-civilians/ |url-status=live |access-date=29 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231029160226/https://www.timesofisrael.com/kill-behead-rape-interrogated-hamas-members-detail-atrocities-against-civilians/ |archive-date=29 October 2023}}{{Cite news |last1=Schmitt |first1=Eric |author-link=Eric P. Schmitt |last2=Bergman |first2=Ronen |author-link2=Ronen Bergman |last3=Goldman |first3=Adam |author-link3=Adam Goldman |date=18 November 2023 |title=Is Israel's Military Strategy to Eradicate Hamas Working? |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/18/world/middleeast/israel-hamas-gaza-war-strategy.html |work=The New York Times}}{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2023-11-14 |title=Israel has launched an investigation into several rape cases committed by Hamas terrorists |url=https://tvpworld.com/74101967/israel-has-launched-an-investigation-into-several-rape-cases-committed-by-hamas-terrorists |url-status=deviated |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20231130125845/https://tvpworld.com/74101967/israel-has-launched-an-investigation-into-several-rape-cases-committed-by-hamas-terrorists |archive-date=2023-11-30 |access-date=2024-03-03 |website=Telewizja Polska |language=en}} Hamas was accused of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity through the usage of gender-based violence as a weapon of war.{{Cite web |last= |date=2023-11-26 |title=Gender-Based Violence as a Weapon of War during the October 7 Hamas Attacks {{!}} Position Paper |url=https://www.phr.org.il/en/gender-based-violence-eng/ |access-date=2023-12-02 |website=Doctors for human rights}} Hamas has issued a blanket denial.{{cite web |last1=Sullivan |first1=Becky |last2=Kelemen |first2=Michele |date=December 6, 2023 |title=Israel presses U.N. to investigate charges of sexual violence by Hamas fighters |url=https://www.npr.org/2023/12/06/1217668564/israel-hamas-rape-sexual-violence-oct-7 |access-date=December 9, 2023 |website=NPR}} Testimonies emerged and videos reached the army containing testimonies that, in addition to the murders, Hamas employed methods of severe torture that included violence against women and sexual violence, including rape.{{Cite news |last=Pole |first=Adam |date=2023-10-12 |title=טלי מאופקים פינתה את בנה תחת אש – והמשיכה לעוד פצועים: "לא היה רגע דל" |trans-title=Tali Maofakim evacuated her son under fire - and continued to work injured: "There was never a dull moment" |url=https://www.ynet.co.il/news/article/h10vzhewa |access-date=2023-11-19 |work=Ynet |language=he}}{{Cite news |last=גליקמן |first=איתן |date=2023-10-10 |title=השיחה האחרונה של עמית הפרמדיקית: "הצילה חיים עד הרגע האחרון" |trans-title=The last conversation of the paramedic colleague: "who saved lives until the last moment" |url=https://www.ynet.co.il/news/article/hjlw00om11p |access-date=2023-11-19 |work=Ynet |language=he}}{{Cite web |last=Cohen |first=Amichai |date=2023-10-23 |title=הפשעים הבינלאומיים הכרוכים בחטיפות הישראלים ב"חרבות ברזל" |trans-title=The international crimes involving the kidnapping of the Israelis in the "Iron Swords" |url=https://www.idi.org.il/articles/51150 |access-date=2023-11-19 |website=www.idi.org.il |language=he}}{{Cite web |date=2023-11-01 |title=שתיקה כואבת במיוחד: "ארגוני הנשים בעולם נטשו ובגדו בנו" |trans-title=A particularly painful silence: "Women's organizations in the world have abandoned and betrayed us" |url=https://www.calcalist.co.il/local_news/article/b1oo3ocgp |access-date=2023-11-19 |website=calcalist |language=he}}{{Cite web |last1=Tapper |first1=Jake |author-link=Jake Tapper |last2=Appleton |first2=Kirsten |date=2023-11-18 |title=Israel investigates sexual violence committed by Hamas as part of October 7 horror |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/11/17/world/israel-investigates-sexual-violence-hamas/index.html |access-date=2023-11-21 |website=CNN |language=en}} CNN reported that the claims are made by witnesses and that "investigators do not have firsthand testimony, and it is not clear whether any rape victims survived."

Prof. Ruth Halperin-Kaddari argues that the targeted attack against women and children, which included torture and rape, was a central goal aimed at spreading fear and terror, and is part of the use of violence against women as a weapon in war. Liat Atzili, who was kidnapped from the Nir Oz kibbutz, in a long interview, testified that in captivity she spoke at length with her guards and suffered no physical violence.Shany Littman, [https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2024-07-27/ty-article-magazine/.highlight/she-spent-weeks-conversing-with-her-hamas-captors-heres-what-they-talked-about/00000190-f0b0-dda7-a9f7-f3b7161b0000 'I Wanted Them to Like Me. That's How You Survive': Liat Atzili Spent Weeks Conversing With Her Hamas Captors. Here's What They Talked About,'] Haaretz 27 July 2024

The reports of rape and sexual violence are based on testimonies from survivors of the massacre at the music festival near Re'im, and from other residents of Gaza envelope communities. These incidents were also reported on by rescuers. Forensic evidence is consistent with torture and rape, and videos were filmed by Hamas militants themselves, some of them uploaded to social networks and Telegram by alleged Hamas activists according to Ynet and The Algemeiner.{{Cite news |last1=Eichner |first1=Itamar |last2=Gil-Ed |first2=Hadar |date=2023-11-17 |title=תחקיר ב-CNN, עדויות קשות: ישראל במאבק בהכחשות מקרי האונס |trans-title=CNN investigation, hard evidence: Israel in the fight against the denial of rape cases |url=https://www.ynet.co.il/news/article/hkkeu34n6 |access-date=2023-11-19 |work=Ynet |language=he}}{{Cite news |date=2023-11-19 |title=העדויות לפשעי מין בטבח מצטברות, אך הדרך לבית המשפט עוד ארוכה |trans-title=The evidence of sexual crimes in the massacre is accumulating, but the road to court is still long |url=https://www.haaretz.co.il/news/politics/2023-11-19/ty-article-magazine/.premium/0000018b-e425-df9a-ab8b-feed647d0000 |access-date=2023-11-19 |work=הארץ |language=he}}

92 Israeli and foreign women and girls were taken hostage and held in Gaza during the October 7 attack. The majority of Israeli women and all Israeli girls held hostage were released during the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas at the end of November 2023. As of May 2024, it is known that 9 female hostages died in captivity, while 12 female hostages are believed to be held hostage alive by Israeli intelligence officials.{{cite web |last=Steinberg |first=Jessica |date=2024-03-05 |title=Women leaders demand release of female hostages ahead of International Women's Day |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/women-leaders-demand-release-of-female-hostages-ahead-of-international-womens-day/ |work=The Times of Israel |access-date=2024-05-12 |language=en}} 7 Israeli female soldiers were taken hostage from the attack on the Nahal Oz military base, with one soldier rescued on October 30, 2023, one soldier dying in captivity, and five soldiers still held as hostages as of May 2024. Noa Argamani, a female hostage taken from the Nova music festival was rescued by the IDF on June 8, 2024 in Nuseirat.

There were attempts, led by Israeli women, to raise awareness for the hostage crisis, and to promote the hostages release.{{Cite news |last=Sommer |first=Allison Kaplan |date=2023-11-12 |title=Thousands of Women Rally in Tel Aviv in Support of Israeli Hostages in Gaza |url=https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2023-11-12/ty-article/.premium/thousands-of-women-rally-in-tel-aviv-in-support-of-israeli-hostages-in-gaza/0000018b-c518-dadd-abfb-e7fe399f0000 |url-access=registration |access-date=2023-11-21 |work=Haaretz |language=en}}{{Cite news |last1=Coussin |first1=Orna |last2=Elkayam |first2=Liat |date=2023-11-17 |title=Israeli Women Demand a Hostage Deal |url=https://www.haaretz.com/opinion/2023-11-17/ty-article-opinion/.premium/israeli-women-demand-a-hostage-deal/0000018b-d9b4-df9a-ab8b-dffc08ed0000 |url-access=registration |access-date=2023-11-21 |work=Haaretz |language=en}}

{{Main|Sexual and gender-based violence against Palestinians during the Israel–Hamas war | 2023–2024 Gaza Strip preterm births }}

As of mid-November 2023, two-thirds of the 11,000 Palestinian casualties reported killed by the Gaza Health Ministry since the onset of the war, were women and children.{{Cite web |date=2023-11-14 |title=Live updates {{!}} Israel says it has launched an operation inside Gaza hospital |url=https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-live-updates-11-14-2023-6c346be5bc9246902792a228ccf4ecff |access-date=2023-11-20 |website=AP News |language=en}}

According to a joint statement by UNICEF, the WHO, UNFPA, and the UNRWA, women in Gaza, along with children and newborns, have borne a disproportionate amount of suffering during the war, saying that "the bombardments, damaged or non-functioning health facilities, massive levels of displacement, collapsing water and electricity supplies as well as restricted access to food and medicines, are severely disrupting maternal, newborn, and child health services".{{cite web | title=Joint statement by UNICEF, WHO, UNFPA and UNRWA on Women and newborns bearing the brunt of the conflict in Gaza | website=UNICEF | date=November 3, 2023 | url=https://www.unicef.org/press-releases/joint-statement-unicef-who-unfpa-and-unrwa-women-and-newborns-bearing-brunt-conflict | access-date=November 20, 2023}}{{cite web | last=Kekatos | first=Mary | title=Why women, children are disproportionately impacted by the conflict in Gaza: Experts | website=ABC News | date=November 7, 2023 | url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/women-children-disproportionately-impacted-conflict-gaza-experts/story?id=104655493 | access-date=November 20, 2023}} The United Nations Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women said that "Since 7 October, the assault on Palestinian women’s dignity and rights has taken on new and terrifying dimensions, as thousands have become victims of war crimes, crimes against humanity and an unfolding genocide".

On 25 January 2024, a doctor based in Gaza reported an increase in the number of patients suffering from postpartum depression and postpartum haemorrhages.{{cite web |date=2024-01-25 |title=Obstetrician says pregnant women in Gaza dying from complications in greater numbers |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2024/1/25/israels-war-on-gaza-live-israel-kills-9-in-un-shelter-sparking-outrage?update=2649299 |access-date=26 January 2024 |website=Al Jazeera}} In March 2024, UN Women called Israel's war on Gaza "a war on women", stating, "While this war spares no one, UN Women data shows that it kills and injures women in unprecedented ways."{{cite web |title=Gaza conflict 'also a war on women', UN Women says |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2024/3/2/israels-war-on-gaza-live-un-medics-say-many-gaza-aid-attack-victims-shot?update=2743963 |website=Al Jazeera |access-date=4 March 2024}} The Gaza Health Ministry reported that 60,000 pregnant women were suffering from dehydration, malnutrition, and a lack of medical care.{{cite web |title=Some 60,000 pregnant women in Gaza face malnutrition, dehydration: Ministry |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2024/3/7/israels-war-on-gaza-live-20-starve-to-death-in-gaza-more-feared-dead?update=2756802 |website=Al Jazeera |access-date=9 March 2024}} The UN stated 95 percent of pregnant and breastfeeding women faced severe food poverty.{{cite web |title=UN says 95 percent of pregnant, breast-feeding women in Gaza face 'severe' food poverty |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2024/3/8/israels-war-on-gaza-live-60000-pregnant-women-face-malnutrition-in-gaza?update=2758343 |website=Al Jazeera |access-date=10 March 2024}} On 15 March 2024, Amal Hamad, the Palestinian Minister of Women's Affairs, told the UN that 9,000 women had been killed by Israel since 7 October and called "all the women of the world to stand by Palestinian women".{{cite web |title=9,000 women have been killed in Gaza: Palestinian minister to UN |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2024/3/12/israels-war-on-gaza-live-2000-medical-staff-starving-in-north-ministry?update=2766734 |website=Al Jazeera |access-date=15 March 2024}}

Palestinian women in Gaza have also alleged threats of rape and sexual violence by invading Israeli soldiers.{{Cite web |last= |first= |title=Field executions, torture, and threats of rape: In Gaza, Israel's army replicates the crimes committed by Zionist gangs in 1948 |url=https://euromedmonitor.org/en/article/6023/Field-executions,-torture,-and-threats-of-rape:-In-Gaza,-Israel%E2%80%99s-army-replicates-the-crimes-committed-by-Zionist-gangs-in-1948 |access-date=2023-12-12 |website=Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor |language=en-US}} Speaking to Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Monitor, one Palestinian woman, who was pregnant, described being forced to undress by an Israeli soldier, who threatened to rape her.

On 19 February 2024, a group of United Nations special rapporteurs released a report stating "rights experts call for probe into violations against Palestinian women and girls. According to the report, there is evidence that during the Israel–Hamas war, Palestinian women and girls were subjected to wartime sexual violence. Palestinian women and girls were reportedly randomly executed in Gaza, often together with their children. Allegations surfaced suggesting that Palestinian women and girls were deliberately targeted and extrajudicially executed by the invading Israel Defense Forces, even when they were holding white pieces of cloth. According to these allegations, Palestinian women and girls were also subjected to inhuman and degrading treatment by the Israel Defense Forces, such as they were denied menstruation pads, food and medicine, and were severely beaten, raped, assaulted, threatened with rape and sexual violence, and subjected to multiple forms of other sexual assaults. Palestinian women and girls were also stripped naked and searched by male Israeli army officers. OHCHR stated that Israeli troops had photographed female detainees in “degrading circumstances” and that the photos had been uploaded online.

The UN report states, "Palestinian women and girls in detention have also been subjected to multiple forms of sexual assault, such as being stripped naked and searched by male Israeli army officers. At least two female Palestinian detainees were reportedly raped".{{Cite news |last=Robertson |first=Nick |date=2024-02-19 |title=UN experts condemn 'credible' reports of executions, sexual assault by Israeli soldiers |url=https://thehill.com/policy/international/4477340-un-experts-reports-executions-sexual-assault-israeli-soldiers/ |access-date=2024-02-22 |work=The Hill |language=en-US}} One of the special rapporteurs; Reem Alsalem, cautioned that the reservation in reporting sexual violence was common due to reprisal concerns. Alsalem stated that since the 7 October attacks, women and girls in Israeli detention had faced an increasingly permissive attitude by Israeli officials towards sexual assault.{{Cite news |last=Borger |first=Julian |date=2024-02-22 |title=Claims of Israeli sexual assault of Palestinian women are credible, UN panel says |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/feb/22/claims-of-israeli-sexual-assault-of-palestinian-women-are-credible-un-panel-says |access-date=2024-02-22 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}

The special rapporteurs have also raised concerns over a number of Palestinian women and children going missing, with reports of children being separated from their parents. In one instance a female infant was reportedly forcibly relocated from their parents into Israel.{{Cite web |last=Hearst |first=Katherine |date=19 February 2024 |title=Palestinian women and girls raped and sexually assaulted in Israeli detention, UN experts say |url=https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/war-gaza-un-experts-appalled-reports-rape-and-sexual-assault-palestinian-women-and-girls |access-date=2024-02-22 |website=Middle East Eye |language=en}} In response to the report, a spokesman for the U.S. Department of State said, "Civilians and detainees must be treated humanely, and in accordance with international humanitarian law."{{cite web |last1=Lewis |first1=Simon |last2=Pamuk |first2=Humeyra |title=US reviewing reports of civilian harm by Israel, State Dept says |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/us-reviewing-reports-civilian-harm-by-israel-state-dept-says-2024-02-13/ |access-date=21 February 2024 |website=Reuters}} Physicians for Human Rights–Israel also described the sexual humiliation of detainees, including sexual insults and urination on prisoners.{{cite web |title=Cruel and systematic violations of Palestinian rights in Israeli prisons: Report |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2024/2/19/israels-war-on-gaza-live-food-trucks-surrounded-as-hunger-spreads-in-gaza?update=2718554 |access-date=21 February 2024 |website=Al Jazeera}} The Palestinian Prisoner's Society stated men had been subjected to severe sexual assault, including attempted rape and violating strip searches.{{cite web |last1=Al Tahhan |first1=Zena |title=Palestinian groups share testimonies of sexual assault, rape of prisoners |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2024/2/20/israels-war-on-gaza-live-un-fears-explosion-in-child-deaths-in-gaza?update=2720319 |access-date=21 February 2024 |website=Al Jazeera}}

On December 14, 2023, a group of United Nations experts stated that women and girls in the West Bank and occupied East Jerusalem are at "constant risk of settler violence". The experts noted that Palestinian women in the occupied West Bank have "faced heightened discrimination, harassment, sexual assault, and attacks by Israeli authorities and settlers" since October 7.

{{See also|Mass detentions in the Gaza war#Allegations of torture and mistreatment}}

Multiple Palestinian prisoners report having been subjected to sexual abuse and threats of rape following the outbreak of the war.{{Cite news |date=2023-12-01 |title=UN rights office 'seriously concerned' about Israel's increased arrest of Palestinians |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/un-rights-office-seriously-concerned-about-israels-increased-arrest-palestinians-2023-12-01/ |url-status=live |access-date=2023-12-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231202024840/https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/un-rights-office-seriously-concerned-about-israels-increased-arrest-palestinians-2023-12-01/ |archive-date=2023-12-02}} The BBC reported on one such female prisoner, who said: "They threatened to rape me... It was clear the goal was to intimidate me."{{Cite news |date=2023-12-01 |title=Released Palestinians allege abuse in Israeli jails |language=en-GB |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-67581915 |access-date=2023-12-05}} While Israel denied the allegations and threatened to prosecute her lawyer for incitement, the released prisoner reported rape threats against both herself and other incarcerated women. Another Palestinian woman also alleged threats of sexual assault by Israeli guards.{{Cite web |date=2023-11-30 |title=Israel's war on Gaza: List of key events, day 55 |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/11/30/israel-hamas-war-list-of-key-events-day-55 |access-date=2023-12-05 |website=Al Jazeera}} Middle East Eye likewise reported on allegations by detainees that "Israeli guards have threatened sexual assault against female inmates and assaulted them inside their cells."{{Cite web |title=Female prisoners threatened with sexual assault, subject to naked beatings |url=https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/female-prisoners-threatened-sexual-assault-subject-naked-beatings |access-date=2023-12-05 |website=Middle East Eye |language=en}}

The response to these events varied internationally, US president Joe Biden condemned the violence against women in a speech on 10 October 2023.{{Cite web |date=2023-10-10 |title=Remarks by President Biden on the Terrorist Attacks in Israel |url=https://bidenwhitehouse.archives.gov/briefing-room/speeches-remarks/2023/10/10/remarks-by-president-biden-on-the-terrorist-attacks-in-israel-2/ |access-date=2023-12-02 |website=The White House |language=en-US}} Criticism by Israeli human rights and women's rights group was directed at the United Nations and UN Women for failing to address the sexual and gender based violence in the weeks that followed.{{Cite web |last=Rosenberg |first=Michelle |title=#MeToo Unless Ur A Jew: The activists highlighting Hamas' sexual violence |url=https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/meet-the-activists-highlighting-sexual-violence-during-hamas-attacks-2/ |access-date=2023-11-29 |website=www.jewishnews.co.uk |date=27 November 2023 |language=en-US}}{{Cite news |last=Botbol |first=Amelie |date=23 November 2023 |title=Global women's rights groups silent as Israeli women testify about rapes by Hamas |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/global-womens-rights-groups-silent-as-israeli-women-testify-about-rapes-by-hamas/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231129161152/https://www.timesofisrael.com/global-womens-rights-groups-silent-as-israeli-women-testify-about-rapes-by-hamas/ |archive-date=29 November 2023 |access-date=29 November 2023 |work=Times of Israel}}{{Cite web |date=2023-11-23 |title=Crimes sexuels du Hamas en Israël : l'inquiétant silence des organisations internationales |trans-title=Hamas sex crimes in Israel: the worrying silence of international organizations |url=https://www.lepoint.fr/monde/crimes-sexuels-du-hamas-en-israel-l-inquietant-silence-des-organisations-internationales-23-11-2023-2544251_24.php |access-date=2023-11-30 |website=Le Point |language=fr}} Hamas denied the use of sexual violence. The UN secretary general on 28 November 2023 and UN women on 2 December 2023 condemned the gender based violence against Israeli women.{{Cite web |date=2023-11-30 |title=Guterres: 'Accounts of sexual violence on Oct. 7 must be investigated' |url=https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-775770 |access-date=2023-11-30 |website=The Jerusalem Post {{!}} JPost.com |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=2023-12-01 |title=UN Women statement on the situation in Israel and Gaza |url=https://www.unwomen.org/en/news-stories/statement/2023/12/un-women-statement-on-the-situation-in-israel-and-gaza |access-date=2023-12-02 |website=UN Women – Headquarters |language=en}}{{Cite news |date=2023-12-02 |title=After 8 weeks, UN Women condemns Hamas' sexual violence on October 7 |language=en |work=i24NEWS |via=Ynetnews |url=https://www.ynetnews.com/article/bjys8hdra |access-date=2023-12-02}}

{{see also|Gaza humanitarian crisis (2023–present)#Birth and pregnancy|2023–2024 Gaza Strip preterm births}}

The United Nations estimates that there are about 50,000 pregnant women in Gaza, with more than 160 women giving birth each day.{{cite web | last=Collier | first=Neil | title=Palestinian Mothers in Gaza Fear Giving Birth in a War Zone | website=The New York Times | date=November 20, 2023 | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/20/world/middleeast/palestinian-pregnant-women-childbirth-gaza.html | access-date=November 22, 2023}} In the first year of the war, an estimated 50,000 babies were born in the Gaza Strip, according to Save the Children.{{cite web |title=Women Self-Inducing Labour And Facing Life-Threatening Complications In Pregnancy After Nine Months Of Gaza Conflict |url=https://www.savethechildren.net/news/women-self-inducing-labour-and-facing-life-threatening-complications-pregnancy-after-nine |website=Save the Children |access-date=27 October 2024}} Of the 1.1 million Gazans who were forced to flee northern Gaza following an Israeli evacuation order, 19,000 were estimated to be pregnant women, with some suffering miscarriages due to stress and shock.{{cite web | title=High risks of miscarriage, death for many pregnant women forced to evacuate from northern Gaza | website=ReliefWeb | date=October 16, 2023 | url=https://reliefweb.int/report/occupied-palestinian-territory/high-risks-miscarriage-death-many-pregnant-women-forced-evacuate-northern-gaza | access-date=November 22, 2023}} Many women in shelters endure inadequate access to food and clean water, and are afraid of giving birth without the assistance of a doctor or midwife.{{Cite web |date=2023-11-06 |title=Malnourished, sick and scared: Pregnant women in Gaza face 'unthinkable challenges' |url=https://www.france24.com/en/middle-east/20231106-malnourished-sick-and-scared-pregnant-women-in-gaza-face-unthinkable-challenges |access-date=2023-11-20 |website=France 24 |language=en}} With over two-thirds of the territory's hospitals and primary care clinics no longer functioning, and Gaza's treated water production at 5% of normal levels, pregnant women in Gaza face lack of access to medical care, nutrition, and giving birth with no pain killers.{{cite web | last=Limaye | first=Yogita | title=Giving birth with no painkillers under the bombs in Gaza | website=BBC Home | date=November 14, 2023 | url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-67398743 | access-date=November 22, 2023}}{{cite web | title=Relentless attacks, collapse of health and safety systems leave Gaza's women and girls facing "unthinkable challenges" | website=United Nations Population Fund | date=October 19, 2023 | url=https://www.unfpa.org/news/relentless-attacks-collapse-health-and-safety-systems-leave-gazas-women-and-girls-facing | access-date=November 22, 2023}} Human Rights Watch, citing the lack of prenatal care and access to functioning medical facilities, warned the conflict would lead to increases in both maternal and infant mortalities. Miscarriages in Khan Younis, in the southern portion of the strip were civilians were ordered to evacuate to, were reported to have increased by 20 percent.{{cite web | title=At a Gaza hospital, a midwife brings life and volunteers tend the dead | website=Reuters | date=November 18, 2023 | url=https://www.reuters.com/investigates/special-report/israel-palestinians-gaza-days/ | access-date=November 22, 2023}}

An analysis by the UNRWA found that the lack of food security put lactating and pregnant women at increased risk of lower immune function which would lead to higher rates of nutrition-related illnesses such as anaemia, preeclampsia, and haemorrhage along with other maternal malnutrition illnesses, which in turn would lead to higher rates of maternal and infant mortality.{{cite web | title= UNRWA Gaza Field Office: Rapid Gender Analysis: Gendered Impacts of the October 2023 Escalation in Gaza | url=https://www.unrwa.org/sites/default/files/content/resources/rapid_gender_analysis_23_october_2023_updated.pdf | access-date=November 22, 2023|website=United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East}} The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) stated these conditions affected 45,000 pregnant women and 68,000 breastfeeding women.{{cite web |title=UN: Pregnant and breastfeeding women face risk of death |url=https://aje.io/s017rg?update=2563684 |website=Al Jazeera |access-date=18 December 2023}} In May 2024, the UNFPA stated 18,500 pregnant women had been forced to flee Rafah due to Israel's attacks on the city.{{cite web |title=Conditions in Gaza are 'unspeakable' as one million people flee Rafah: UNRWA |url=https://news.un.org/en/story/2024/06/1150556 |website=UN News |date=3 June 2024 |publisher=United Nations |access-date=8 June 2024}} Doctors in Gaza warned in June 2024 of an "alarming increase in miscarriages," with as many as ten women a day experiencing a miscarriage each day.{{cite web |title=Doctors in Gaza say the war has led to a surge of miscarriages |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/gallery/liveblog/2024/6/4/israels-war-on-gaza-live-pressure-mounts-on-israel-hamas-to-cease-fire?update=2948410 |website=Al Jazeera |access-date=14 June 2024}} In June 2024, the UNFPA executive director stated, "Women are delivering babies by caesarean section without anesthesia because there’s no energy, there’s no generator, the medicines are running out."{{cite web |title=Situation for women and girls in Gaza 'an absolute nightmare': UNFPA |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2024/6/11/israels-war-on-gaza-live-ray-of-hope-after-unsc-approves-ceasefire?update=2968249 |website=Al Jazeera |access-date=19 June 2024}} In July 2024, Noor Alyacoubi wrote about her struggles feeding her infant, including breastfeeding to prevent malnutrition.{{cite web |last1=Alyacoubi |first1=Noor |title=As Israel inflicts starvation, I am fighting to feed my baby in Gaza |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2024/7/12/as-israel-inflicts-starvation-i-am-fighting-to-feed-my-baby-in-gaza |website=Al Jazeera |access-date=27 July 2024}} Alaa al-Nimer discussed being forced to give birth in the middle of the street.{{cite web |last1=Humaid |first1=Maram |title=‘My baby girl was born on the street’: A traumatic birth in Gaza |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2024/7/28/my-baby-girl-was-born-on-the-street-a-traumatic-birth-in-gaza |website=Al Jazeera |access-date=18 August 2024}} UN Women stated 55 percent of women reported health conditions impacting their ability to breastfeed, and 99 percent had difficulties obtaining enough breastmilk.{{cite web |title=At least 557,000 women in Gaza are facing severe food insecurity |url=https://www.unwomen.org/en/news-stories/news/2024/06/at-least-557000-women-in-gaza-are-facing-severe-food-insecurity |website=UN Women |publisher=United Nations |access-date=28 July 2024}}

In July 2024, Doctors Without Borders warned about the impact of Gaza's destroyed health system on pregnant women, stating, "The main health risks for pregnant women are blood-pressure related complications such as eclampsia, hemorrhage, and sepsis—which can become deadly if not treated in time".{{cite web |title=Maternal and child health suffer under a decimated system |url=https://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/latest/gaza-maternal-and-child-health-suffer-under-decimated-system#:~:text=“The%20main%20health%20risks%20for,unit%20health%20advisor%20Mercè%20Rocaspana. |website=Doctors Without Borders |access-date=3 August 2024}} In August 2024, the United Nations called for additional aid for pregnant women, stating "thousands of breastfeeding and pregnant women in the Gaza Strip are facing hunger and malnutrition of their children".{{cite web |title=UN desperately calls for more aid to support mothers in Gaza |url=https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/un-desperately-calls-more-aid-support-gaza-mothers?nid=381746&topic=Israel%2527s%2520war%2520on%2520Gaza&fid=525716 |website=Middle East Eye |access-date=17 August 2024}} In November 2024, hospital staff at al-Awda Hospital stated that Israeli forces shot two women entering the hospital who were about to give birth and who died bleeding in the street.{{cite web |last1=Debre |first1=Isabel |title=Still wrecked from past Israeli raids, hospitals in northern Gaza come under attack again |url=https://apnews.com/world-news/still-wrecked-from-past-israeli-raids-hospitals-in-northern-gaza-come-under-attack-again-00000192eebfd414a79fffbf88cc0000?taid=672747519f4c2f0001a56118&utm_campaign=TrueAnthem&utm_medium=AP&utm_source=Twitter |website=Associated Press |access-date=5 November 2024}}

Due to the lack of clean water and access to menstrual hygiene products, many women in Gaza were reported to be taking norethisterone to delay their periods.{{cite web |last1=Amer |first1=Ruwaida |last2=Alsaafin |first2=Linah |date=October 31, 2023 |title=No privacy, no water: Gaza women use period-delaying pills amid Israel war |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/10/31/no-privacy-no-water-gaza-women-use-period-delaying-pills-amid-war |access-date=November 22, 2023 |website=Al Jazeera}} Human Rights Watch reported that, given the lack clean water supplies to manage their menstrual hygiene, women face increased risks of hepatitis B and thrush.{{cite web | title=Israel's Unlawful Blockade of Gaza Sparks Women's Rights Crisis | website=Human Rights Watch | date=October 24, 2023 | url=https://www.hrw.org/news/2023/10/24/israels-unlawful-blockade-gaza-sparks-womens-rights-crisis | access-date=November 22, 2023}}

Areas of armed conflict have increased risks to women and girls for gender-based violence, including sexual assault; UN reporting on cases of gender-based violence has been disrupted due to the displacement of UN workers. Overcrowded facilities being used as shelters, with limited bathrooms, increase those risks. The UNRWA has said that, as of 15 November 2023, that they had not seen an increase in such violence, but a spokesperson cautioned "Both sexual harassment and domestic violence tend to increase in prolonged periods of displacement."{{cite news |last1=Berger |first1=Miriam |last2=Harb |first2=Hajar |date=November 15, 2023 |title=The heavy burdens of war for Gaza's women and girls |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/11/15/gaza-women-pregnancy-israel-war/ |access-date=November 22, 2023 |newspaper=The Washington Post}} Women and men sheltering at UN facilities in the south of Gaza sleep in different sections to try to alleviate some of these risks. The lack of access to medical care also extends to the clinical treatment of rape.

Advocacy groups have also alleged that Palestinian women in Gaza have been subject to mass arrests by Israeli soldiers.{{Cite news |title=Israel Detained 153 Gazan Women, Some With Their Babies, Says Palestinian Prisoners' Club Head |language=en |work=Haaretz |url=https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2023-12-12/ty-article/.premium/israel-detained-153-gazan-women-some-with-babies-says-palestinian-prisoners-club-head/0000018c-5d37-d03f-af9f-7d772cdf0000 |access-date=2023-12-16}} According to the head of the Palestinian Prisoners' Society, Israel has arrested 153 women in Gaza since the outbreak of the war, including pregnant women. Some women were reportedly detained with their babies.

As a consequence of the conflict lasting over 100 days, UN Women reported that a minimum of 3,000 women could have been widowed and become heads of households, while at least 10,000 children may have been left fatherless. Women and children are the primary casualties in the Israel–Hamas war, with around 16,000 fatalities and approximately two mothers losing their lives every hour following Hamas' unexpected assault on Israel, as stated by the United Nations agency advocating for gender equality.[https://www.euronews.com/2024/01/20/israel-hamas-war-un-say-women-and-children-main-victims-of-conflict-as-idf-hit-damascus UN: Women and children main victims of Israel-Hamas war with 16,000 killed] Retrieved 9 March 2024 On average, 63 women are killed in Gaza daily, of which 37 “are mothers who leave their families behind".[https://www.africanews.com/2024/03/08/women-in-gaza-describe-the-hardships-they-suffer-because-of-the-war/ Women in Gaza describe the hardships they suffer because of the war] Retrieved 9 March 2024

Women in the occupied West Bank have struggled with insecurity brought about by the ongoing conflict, including invasive searches and heightened travel restrictions.{{Cite web |date=2023-12-12 |title=Palestinian women battling to preserve their culture amid deadly attacks in West Bank |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/palestinian-culture-destroyed-west-bank-israel-b2449367.html |access-date=2023-12-13 |website=The Independent |language=en}} According to the director of the Women Union Committee in Jenin, "The psychological and economic suffering [Palestinian] women face is beyond imagination. When their husbands are in prison, or killed, or prevented from working in Palestine, the Palestinian women suffer." United Nations experts referred to "draconion restrictions on family unification and freedom of movement", as well as the risk of "arbitrary arrest and detention by Israeli occupation forces, which has kept [women] confined to their homes and deprived of their livelihoods," describing this risk as constant. The experts urged Israel to fulfill its duty as an occupying power to "prevent and protect women and girls ... from arbitrary detention, discrimination, and violence".

The United Nations experts have expressed deep concern regarding the arbitrary imprisonment of numerous Palestinian women and girls, including human rights activists, journalists, and aid workers, in Gaza and the West Bank. According to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), many of them have endured cruel treatment, lack of basic necessities like menstrual pads, food, and medication, as well as brutal physical abuse. Shockingly, there have been instances where Palestinian women in Gaza were allegedly confined in a cage in harsh weather conditions without any sustenance.

The experts further highlighted disturbing reports of sexual violence against Palestinian women and girls in detention, such as invasive searches conducted by male Israeli soldiers. Tragically, it has been reported that at least two female detainees were sexually assaulted, while others were threatened with such heinous acts. Additionally, the experts mentioned that the Israeli army allegedly took degrading photos of female detainees and shared them online.

Many women in Israel have been affected by the slowdown in the economy during the war. Mothers struggle to return to work as child care frameworks have been suspended or operated in a partial emergency format. Many women had to move from their homes due to the evacuation of settlements.{{Cite news |date=2023-11-01 |title=מאות אלפי נשים מגבות את הלחימה בעורף – אך תנאי ההעסקה שלהן בסכנה |trans-title=Hundreds of thousands of women support the fighting on the home front - but their employment conditions are in danger |url=https://www.themarker.com/career/2023-11-01/ty-article/0000018b-8b2c-d7a8-afcf-abafb6370000 |access-date=2023-11-19 |work=TheMarker |language=he}} Independent women or business owners experienced even more severe economic damage due to the inability to operate their business during the war. It was also found that many women were put on unpaid leave and the economic consequences of the war on the labor market affected women more than men.{{Cite news |last=Lior |first=Gad |date=2023-11-07 |title=עיקר המוצאים לחל"ת: נשים, הורים לילדים וצעירים עד גיל 34 |trans-title=The majority of those who go to halal: women, parents of young children and young people up to the age of 34 |url=https://www.ynet.co.il/economy/article/hjbcl008x6 |access-date=2023-11-19 |work=Ynet |language=he}}{{Cite news |last=Waltzer |first=Yael |date=2023-11-17 |title="ההכנסות החלו לצמוח, וביום אחד – הכל קרס": הנשים שאיבדו את העסק במלחמה |trans-title="Incomes started to grow, and one day - everything collapsed": the women who lost their business in the war |url=https://www.ynet.co.il/economy/article/hjjt1sq4t |access-date=2023-11-19 |work=Ynet |language=he}}

{{main|Women in the Israel Defense Forces}}

File:Yarden Shukrun - Gaza Strip 2944s -9- copy.jpg

Women's involvement in combat roles in the IDF has increased significantly since the beginning of the 21st century, to the point that most combat roles are open to women, including flight, naval officers, armored corps, field intelligence, border police, special forces and more.{{Cite web |date=2023-11-09 |title=מח"ט 401: "אנחנו לא מוכנים לצאת מפה עד שזה גמור" |trans-title=Brigade 401: "We are not ready to leave here until it is finished" |url=https://www.mako.co.il/news-military/6361323ddea5a810/Article-a91888aa2d5bb81027.htm |access-date=2023-11-19 |website=N12 |language=he}}{{clarify|Women's service in the military and the IDF in particular is a controversial issue|date=April 2024}} Israel is one of a handful of countries where there is a mandatory conscription law for women.{{Cite web |title=Nevo Captcha Check |url=https://www.nevo.co.il/law_html/law01/p199_009.htm |access-date=2023-11-19 |website=www.nevo.co.il}}

In the 2023 Hamas-led attack on Israel, 14 field observers from Battalion 414 at Nahal Oz base were killed, an unprecedented number of female field soldiers killed in battle.{{Cite news |last=Zeyton |first=Yoav |date=2023-11-06 |title=חודש אחרי, חמ"ל התצפיתניות של נחל עוז נפתח במיקום אחר: "נמשיך להילחם לזכר חברותינו" |trans-title=A month later, the Nahal Oz observation post opened in a different location: "We will continue to fight in memory of our comrades" |url=https://www.ynet.co.il/news/article/sypp8uimp |access-date=2023-11-19 |work=Ynet |language=he}} Seven field observers were taken hostage. Additional field observers were locked in the war room and continued to work.{{Cite news |date=2023-11-06 |title=מיכל הרצוג במפגש עם תצפיתניות: "תודה מכל הלב – על התפקוד יוצא הדופן" |trans-title=Michal Herzog in a meeting with female observers: "Thank you from the bottom of my heart - for the extraordinary performance" |url=https://www.inn.co.il/news/619196 |access-date=2023-11-19 |work=Channel 7 |language=he}} From testimony after the event, it appears that in the months preceding the surprise attack, the field observers warned of Hamas' preparations for an attack, intelligence gathering and unusual training.{{Cite web |date=2023-11-18 |title="הבסיס הפך מהבית השני שלי לבית קברות": התצפיתניות מגבול עזה פותחות את הלב |trans-title="The base has turned from my second home into a cemetery": female observers from the Gaza border open their hearts |url=https://www.israelhayom.co.il/magazine/shishabat/article/14701970 |access-date=2023-11-19 |website=Israel Hayom |language=he}}{{Cite web |title=Courage Under Fire: The IDF Field Observers' Crucial Role |url=https://www.israeldefense.co.il/en/node/60204}}{{Cite web |date=2023-10-16 |title=התצפיתניות התריעו, המפקדים התעלמו: "לא יעשו כלום" |trans-title=The observers warned, the commanders ignored: "They won't do anything" |url=https://www.mako.co.il/news-military/6361323ddea5a810/Article-45d0ba1d71a3b81026.htm |access-date=2023-11-19 |website=N12 |language=he}}{{Cite news |last=Serousi |first=Neta |date=2023-11-10 |title=מוכשרות, חדות ומקצועיות: למה לא הקשיבו לתצפיתניות |trans-title=Talented, sharp and professional: why didn't they listen to female observers |url=https://www.globes.co.il/news/article.aspx?did=1001462135 |access-date=2023-11-19 |work=Globes |language=he}}{{Cite news |title=The Women Soldiers Who Warned of a Pending Hamas Attack – and Were Ignored |language=en |work=Haaretz |url=https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2023-11-20/ty-article-magazine/.premium/the-women-soldiers-who-warned-of-a-pending-hamas-attack-and-were-ignored/0000018b-ed76-d4f0-affb-eff740150000 |access-date=2023-11-21}} According to the field observers, throughout this period, the senior command refused to listen to the warnings. "This is an apparatus made up entirely of young women and commanders," says one of them. "There is no doubt that if men were sitting at these screens, things would look different."{{Cite news |title="מי שיגיד שאי אפשר היה לדעת – משקר": התצפיתניות ראו את חמאס נערך לטבח, אך דבר לא נעשה |trans-title="Whoever says that it was impossible to know - is lying": The observers saw Hamas preparing for a massacre, but nothing was done |url=https://www.haaretz.co.il/news/politics/2023-11-18/ty-article-magazine/.highlight/0000018b-e1f9-d168-a3ef-f5fb8a3c0000 |access-date=2023-11-19 |work=Haaretz |language=he}}

{{See also|2023 Israeli female tank crew fight}}

Women in the Caracal Battalion tank unit joined the fighting against dozens of Hamas militants on Highway 232 in the Gaza envelope. Later the crew identified four militants in Moshav Yated and subdued them. The crew continued driving the tank towards Holit, broke through the gate of the kibbutz and advanced to the focal point of the incident together with other fighters, They engaged for about 40 minutes against a squad of 20 militants until the militants were repelled and killed.{{Cite web |last=Hornstein |first=Hagit |date=2023-10-17 |title=גבורת הטנקיסטיות: הלוחמות שניהלו קרב על יישובי הדרום |trans-title=The heroism of the tank women: the warriors who waged a battle for the settlements of the south |url=https://www.colbonews.co.il/israel-in-war/158474/ |access-date=2023-11-19 |website=His store - Haifa and the Kiryat |language=he}}

Lt. Col. Or Ben Yehuda, commander of the Caracal Battalion, fought at the head of a force that killed 15 armed Hamas militants in Yated after long hours of fighting.{{Cite news |last=Zeyton |first=Yoav |date=2023-10-09 |title=הקצין בן ה-70 שחיסל מחבלים עם נשקו האישי, ואלו שנפצעו והמשיכו בקרב |trans-title=The 70-year-old officer who eliminated terrorists with his personal weapon, and those who were wounded and continued the fight |url=https://www.ynet.co.il/news/article/rk5udfbza |access-date=2023-11-19 |work=Ynet |language=he}} In the Battle of Sufa her battalion killed over a hundred Hamas militants under her command, and together with Shayetet 13 cleared the outpost of infiltrators saving the lives of dozens of soldiers.{{Cite web |date=2023-10-18 |title="הגדוד שלי הרג כמאה מחבלים. מקווה שלא יהיו יותר ספקות לגבי בנות לוחמות" |trans-title=My battalion killed about a hundred terrorists. I hope there will be no more doubts about female fighters |url=https://news.walla.co.il/item/3617060 |access-date=2023-11-19 |website=Walla! |language=he}}

File:Operation Shield and Arrow XVIII.jpg]]

Women in the Israeli Air Force performed a variety of roles from the first day of the war. This includes pilots, combat navigators,{{Cite news |last=Halutz |first=Dina |date=2023-10-30 |title="אחרי 7 באוקטובר אין יותר ספקות לגבי נשים לוחמות, הן עשו כל מה שנדרש" |url=https://www.ynet.co.il/laisha/article/b1scedsmt |access-date=2023-11-19 |work=Ynet |language=he}} and unmanned aerial vehicle operators. For the first time, 2 women were set to enter the elite 669 search and rescue unit.{{Cite web |date=2023-12-06 |title=Two Israeli women to enter elite Air Force unit training |url=https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-776849 |access-date=2023-12-09 |website=The Jerusalem Post {{!}} JPost.com |language=en-US}}

File:Isaac Herzog in Ashdod, November 2023 (KBG GPO7928).jpg in a meeting with women fighters from the Navy. November 2023]]

• Colonel Yarden Shukron-Yifrach, commander of Shahar Battalion in the Rescue and Training Brigade of the Home Front Command, led a force that fought militants on Zikim Beach and in Ofakim. In November, this battalion was also the first to introduce female IDF combat soldiers to join ground forces in Gaza.{{cite news |url=https://www.ynetnews.com/article/sygkxtpnt |title=In first, female IDF combat soldiers join ground force in Gaza |newspaper=Ynet |date=November 19, 2023 |author=Yoav Zitun |accessdate=January 11, 2024}}
• Commanders and fighters from the Lions of the Jordan Battalion participated in combat in the surrounding area.
• Female soldiers participated in combat in the Navy in various roles,{{Cite web |title=עשרות סיכולים ותקיפות – 3 ימי לחימה מהעיניים של לוחמי הים. צפו |trans-title=Dozens of setbacks and attacks - 3 days of fighting from the eyes of the sea warriors. watch |url=https://www.idf.il/%D7%90%D7%AA%D7%A8%D7%99-%D7%99%D7%97%D7%99%D7%93%D7%95%D7%AA/%D7%99%D7%95%D7%9E%D7%9F-%D7%94%D7%9E%D7%9C%D7%97%D7%9E%D7%94/%D7%9B%D7%9C-%D7%94%D7%9B%D7%AA%D7%91%D7%95%D7%AA/%D7%9B%D7%AA%D7%91%D7%95%D7%AA-%D7%99%D7%99%D7%96%D7%95%D7%9E%D7%95%D7%AA/%D7%A1%D7%99%D7%9B%D7%95%D7%9D-%D7%A4%D7%A2%D7%99%D7%9C%D7%95%D7%AA-%D7%97%D7%99%D7%9C-%D7%94%D7%99%D7%9D-%D7%96%D7%A8%D7%95%D7%A2-%D7%94%D7%99%D7%9D-%D7%9E%D7%9C%D7%97%D7%9E%D7%AA-%D7%97%D7%A8%D7%91%D7%95%D7%AA-%D7%91%D7%A8%D7%96%D7%9C-%D7%A4%D7%9C%D7%92%D7%94-916-%D7%91%D7%A1%D7%99%D7%A1-%D7%90%D7%A9%D7%93%D7%95%D7%93-%D7%A9%D7%99%D7%99%D7%98%D7%AA-13-%D7%90%D7%9C%D7%9D-%D7%90%D7%99%D7%AA%D7%9F-%D7%A4%D7%96// |access-date=2023-11-19 |website=www.idf.il |language=he}} such as maritime control operators, as well as saboteurs and fighters on warships.
• Officers from the Home Front Command in a liaison unit to the local authority, in dozens of cities and authorities across the country, managing civilian readiness for missile attacks and returning to routine afterwards.{{Cite web |date=2023-11-11 |title=לימודים בצל המלחמה: קציני פיקוד העורף מאתרים אזורים מוגנים |trans-title=Studies in the shadow of war: Home Front Command officers locate protected areas |url=https://www.ice.co.il/local-news/news/article/987780 |access-date=2023-11-19 |website=Ice |language=he}}
• Lieutenant Ilan Elharar, commander of Battalion 13 of the Golani Brigade's Nahal Oz command post, rescued 7 soldiers from an attack by hundreds of militants on the command post.{{Cite web |title=גיבורי ישראל: בתוך התופת התגלתה רוחם של האזרחים והלוחמים |trans-title=Heroes of Israel: In the inferno, the spirit of the citizens and warriors was revealed |url=https://www.israelhayom.co.il/magazine/hashavua/article/14702698 |access-date=2023-11-19 |website=www.israelhayom.co.il |language=he}}

Female officers played a significant role in Israel Police activities with the outbreak of the war. Six policewomen were killed in the line of duty.{{Cite web |date=2023-10-19 |title=גבורת השוטרות: הגנו בגופן מפני המחבלים ונהרגו בקרב |trans-title=The bravery of the police officers: they defended themselves against the terrorists and were killed in battle |url=https://www.mako.co.il/men-men_news/Article-4ca3985e7884b81027.htm |access-date=2023-11-19 |website=mako |language=he}} Staff Sergeant Major Mor Shakuri was killed in a fight with militants on the roof of the Sderot Police Station. Senior policewomen were killed in battle with militants in Yakhini and Kibbutz Re'im.{{Cite news |last=Turgeman |first=Meir |date=2023-10-17 |title=השוטרת הדתייה חילצה ברכבה עשרות פצועים מהתופת ברעים: "אנחנו לא גיבורים, עשינו את המשימה שלנו" |trans-title=The religious police officer, Chaim Bracha, rescued dozens of injured people from the inferno: "We are not heroes, we did our mission" |url=https://www.ynet.co.il/news/article/hkzxm7jbp |access-date=2023-11-19 |work=Ynet |language=he}}

• Effect of the Gaza war on children in the Gaza Strip

{{Reflist}}

{{Gaza war}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Women in the Gaza war}}

Category:Violence against women in Israel

Category:Violence against women in Asia

Category:Women in the Israeli military

Category:Israel–Hamas war