NAGHAM KARAJEH

Gaza- The ongoing war and siege on the Gaza Strip, the lack of security and humanitarian aid deteriorate the already difficult living conditions of the people. Women of Gaza struggle not only from hunger but also bombs thrown on them.

Almost every day, international organizations release statements condemning the war on Gaza while the Israeli army keeps attacking the people. Many organizations say that Israel uses hunger as a weapon in its attacks on Gaza. Moreover, the people of Gaza suffer from infectious diseases.

“The effects of the war on women and girls are visible. They face extreme difficulty in securing their basic needs,” said Zarifa Al-Bilbisi, one of the women living in the Gaza Strip. “Due to the deteriorating economic conditions, the high prices of goods and the lack of basic services, women and girls struggle to survive.

“They suffer not only from the deteriorating economic conditions but also psychological pressures on them. This brutal war is taking place between military forces and defenseless civilians.”

The people of Gaza also struggle to survive in winter weather. “Without ensuring justice and peace, the situation of women and girls in the Gaza Strip will not improve,” Zarifa Al-Bilbisi said, “We want to feel safe and have more humane conditions. This war must end. Women and girls of Gaza are subjected to all forms of violence. Where are the global slogans against all forms of violence against women? Five months have already passed but the war continues without interruption. All international conventions that guarantee women’s rights become invalid in Gaza.”

Zarifa Al-Bilbisi suffers from many health problems such as diabetes and hypertension. “I used to follow a diet for diabetes and hypertension. However, I cannot follow it now because I have to eat whatever I find. Since October, more than 35% of diabetes and hypertension patients have lost their lives due to the lack of medical care services, medications and malnutrition.

Call on the international community

In her speech, Zarifa Al-Bilbisi called on the international community, humanitarian aid and human rights organizations to “provide the necessary assistance to defenseless civilians and improve their living conditions. Women and children need psychological and social support. Women should be supported because they are the breadwinners of their families and the most affected groups in this war. We expect radical solutions that guarantee permanent ceasefire.”