The War on Gaza: The Silent Psychological Suffering of Women

Occupied Palestinian Territories – Gaza Strip – The effects of the Israeli war on Gaza, which has lasted for more than 15 months since its outbreak in October 2023, continue to cast a heavy shadow over Gazan women. These effects have deepened with the fragile ceasefire declared in January 2025. The war has exacerbated the challenges faced by women, impacting their daily lives and psychological and social well-being, necessitating numerous psychological and social support interventions to mitigate these effects.

Hadeel Al-Ba, who works as manager of case Management Director at Al-Awda Health and Community Association, a partner of ActionAid Palestine, speaks about the profound impact of the war on women in Gaza. Al-Awda Association works to empower the community in the field of healthcare and promote the comprehensive healthcare through capacity development, the provision of primary and tertiary healthcare, as well as the promotion of health awareness and advocacy programs in the field of community health.

The Silent Psychological Suffering of Women

Hadeel explains the psychological suffering that the war has inflicted on women:
"The war has significantly affected women's well-being, leading to an increase in gender-based violence. We have faced growing risks, along with a rise in psychological abuse and mental disorders. Additionally, social problems have spread within families, negatively impacting us. We also suffer from psychological effects and trauma due to continuous exposure to stress, anxiety, and profound loss.

What makes it even worse is that many women have become dependent on humanitarian aid due to the lack of basic necessities during the war on Gaza. The war has had a tremendous impact on our mental health as women, as we have experienced trauma from loss, displacement, and homelessness, in addition to the absence of security and safety. Women have also been subjected to significant abuse by family members. Many women have required psychological intervention, either through intensive psychological support programs provided by our association or through other institutions."

The Rise in Gender-Based Violence

The war has contributed to the increase and spread of gender-based violence, as women are subjected to various forms of abuse. Hadeel states:
"During the war on Gaza, gender-based violence rates rose dramatically. Psychological abuse and sexual violence were among the most prevalent forms, making us, as women, the most vulnerable to these violations during that period."

Loss of Security and Privacy

Gazan women have lost their sense of security and privacy due to displacement, home demolitions, and life in displacement camps within fragile tents. Hadeel speaks about the major challenges women face during the war, particularly regarding psychological and financial security. She explains how the loss of privacy and mistreatment exacerbates their difficult conditions, saying:
"One of the biggest challenges we face as women is the lack of safe spaces due to widespread destruction and losses, as well as the loss of privacy. Additionally, mistreatment in shelters increases their suffering, particularly for women displaced in these centers."

Women’s Need for Psychological and Social Support and Economic Empowerment

Women in Gaza require extensive psychological and social support interventions, as well as economic empowerment, following the months of devastating war. This support is essential to help them cope with harsh realities and restore their self-confidence after losing all means of a stable life. Hadeel states:
"What strengthens our confidence as women is the provision of security and psychological stability, as we need a safe environment that helps us heal and live with dignity.

The support women need during and after the war includes the establishment of safe spaces where we can develop our skills. This can be achieved through professional training programs that enhance our expertise in fields such as embroidery and cooking. Moreover, economic empowerment programs are crucial, as they offer us the opportunity to improve our financial situation and compensate for what women have lost during the war on Gaza.

It is also essential to provide safe spaces for psychological relief, through emotional relief sessions and psychological support gatherings. These activities help alleviate the stress and psychological pressures that affect their lives."

About ActionAid International

ActionAid International is a global federation working with over 41 million people living in more than 72 of the world's poorest countries. We envision a world characterized by justice and sustainability, where every individual has the right to a dignified life and freedom, and a world free from poverty and oppression. We strive to achieve social justice, gender equality, and eradicate poverty.

ActionAid Palestine began its work in Palestine in 2007 to strengthen the resilience of the Palestinian people, believing in their right to enjoy freedom, justice, and self-determination. ActionAid Palestine implements several programs through its engagement with Palestinian communities and youth and women’s groups, aiming to empower women and youth and enhance their active civil and political participation to understand their rights and undertake collective action to address the rights violations resulting from the prolonged occupation, in addition to improving their leadership capacity and practicing their citizenship in holding authorities and other duty bearers accountable.

For more information, please contact:

Riham Jafari 

Communication and Advocacy Officer at ActionAid Palestine 

Mobile: +972 595242890

Email: Riham.Jafari@actionaid.org