Through the Palestinian Family Planning and Protection Association (PFPPA), the IPPF is implementing an emergency response to meet the sexual and reproductive health needs of women, girls, and vulnerable populations in Gaza. Our key initiatives include:

· Emergency healthcare for pregnant women, including comprehensive prenatal and postnatal services.

· Access to family planning methods for women amidst the ongoing healthcare collapse.

· Psychosocial support for survivors of gender-based violence, which significantly increases during conflicts.

· Distribution of essential health supplies, such as sanitary products, emergency medications, and primary healthcare resources.

· Protection for healthcare workers to ensure a safe environment that allows them to continue providing critical services.

Challenges We Face in Gaza

The ongoing crisis presents several significant challenges:

🔹 Targeting of healthcare facilities has resulted in the destruction of medical centers and obstructed patient access to necessary care.

🔹 Severe shortages of medicines and medical supplies due to the blockade on the region.

🔹 Movement restrictions that hinder the ability of patients and healthcare workers to safely access health facilities.

🔹 Increased rates of sexual violence and gender-based violence due to the unstable environment.

Our Call to the International Community

We urge the international community to advocate for:

🔹 Immediate and unobstructed delivery of medical and humanitarian aid to Gaza.

🔹 Protection of hospitals and healthcare facilities to ensure they are not targeted during the conflict.

🔹 Creation of a secure environment for healthcare workers to fulfill their humanitarian duties.

🔹 Access for women and girls to sexual and reproductive health services, recognized as a vital component of humanitarian aid.

Urgent Call for Humanitarian Assistance

Given the catastrophic impact of the escalation on Gaza's residents due to ongoing Israeli blockade and occupation, we demand the unrestricted flow of humanitarian aid throughout Gaza. We call for the protection of civilians in Palestine and Israel and ensure their access to medical services in accordance with international humanitarian law.

We stand in solidarity with calls for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, advocating for a pathway toward just and lasting peace.

Crisis Response Initiatives

The IPPF works closely with local partners to ensure health services reach all affected individuals, focusing on:

· Protecting healthcare workers to guarantee the ongoing provision of sexual and reproductive healthcare.

· Delivering emergency medical care, including sexual and reproductive health services.

· Supporting victims and survivors of gender-based violence.

We remain dedicated to providing urgent humanitarian aid to those in need and will keep this page updated with developments in the situation.

Impact of the Crisis on Women's and Girls' Health

Humanitarian crises significantly affect the sexual and reproductive health of women and girls. In conflict situations, there is a rise in sexual violence, forced marriages, and unplanned pregnancies due to the lack of essential health services. The collapse of healthcare systems leads to inadequate care during pregnancy and childbirth, endangering both mothers and children.

 

Does IPPF Provide Humanitarian Response in Gaza?

Yes, in partnership with the Palestinian Family Planning and Protection Association (PFPPA), we offer critical sexual and reproductive health services, including prenatal and postnatal care, mental health services, and support for survivors of gender-based violence.

How Do Humanitarian Crises Affect Sexual and Reproductive Health?

Before the current escalation, Palestine’s healthcare system already suffered from funding and resource shortages due to occupation and movement restrictions. This directly impacted access to reproductive health services, maternal care, and family planning methods.

Addressing Gender-Based Violence Through Health Services

Yes, we provide direct support for survivors of sexual violence and gender-based violence, including psychological support, healthcare, safe shelters, and legal assistance when necessary.

How Does IPPF Respond to Reports of Sexual Violence ?

We condemn all forms of sexual violence and reaffirm our commitment to defending survivors' rights, ensuring that all violations are thoroughly investigated, and perpetrators are held accountable according to international law.

IPPF's Global Reach: Serving 145 Countries

Operating in 145 countries means that the IPPF provides sexual and reproductive health services to millions worldwide, especially in conflict-affected areas and humanitarian crises where these services are urgently needed.

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                                          Voices from the Field

"Palestinians are systematically deprived of sexual and reproductive healthcare. Our healthcare system is constantly targeted and drained by the occupation; the more it deteriorates, the more women and girls suffer in realizing their basic health rights."

 Amal Awadallah, Executive Director of the Palestinian Family Planning and Protection Association (PFPPA)

"As a healthcare worker and a Palestinian woman, I live in constant fear for my life and my family's safety. However, I cannot abandon my mission to provide health services to women, as they need us more than ever." — Wafa Abu Hashish, Healthcare Worker, Palestinian Family Planning and Protection Association (PFPPA)