UN Women has not wavered in our support for all women and girls.
“Every act of violence against women and girls, including sexual violence, is unequivocally condemned, irrespective of the nationality, identity, race, or religion of the victims.”
— UN Women Executive Director, 25 October 2023 briefing to the UN Security Council
A snapshot of our speeches and statements with reference to the 7 October attacks include:
October 2023
On 13 October 2023, UN Women condemned the 7 October attacks, and raised the alarm about the devastating impact on women and girls, and called for the protection of all civilians and the release of all hostages.
In a speech at the UN Security Council on 25 October 2023, the UN Women Executive Director denounced the deaths of more than 1,000 people killed in Israel in the 7 October attacks, condemned all reports of sexual violence, and expressed deep concern for the estimated 200 hostages, many of whom are women.
November 2023
In a second Security Council briefing on 22 November 2023, the UN Women Executive Director mourned the two mothers killed every hour in Gaza, and expressed alarm at reports of gender-based and sexual violence in the attacks on Israel, calling for thorough investigation.
In a separate speech that day, she reiterated UN Women’s calls for the unconditional release of all the hostages, many of whom are women, and an immediate humanitarian ceasefire.
December 2023
In a statement on 1 December 2023, UN Women unequivocally condemned the 7 October attacks and expressed alarm at “the numerous accounts of gender-based atrocities and sexual violence during those attacks” and expressed regret that military operations had resumed in Gaza.
January 2024
In a statement on 19 January 2024, the UN Women Executive Director marked 100 days of the conflict by noting that women and children were the first victims of the conflict, and condemning “shocking accounts of unconscionable sexual violence” during the attacks.
September 2024
On 23 September 2024, Principals of the Inter-Agency Standing Committee, including UN Women, called for an end to the atrocities, noting close to 100 hostages remain in Gaza, while freed hostages have reported ill treatment, including sexual violence.
November 2024
In a statement by the Principals of the Inter-Agency Standing Committee, UN Women joined with UN agencies to call on Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups to release the hostages immediately and unconditionally and abide by international humanitarian law.
January 2025
On 19 January 2025, UN Women welcomed the ceasefire agreement in Gaza, including the hostage release deal. UN Women joined the Secretary-General in expressing hope that all parties will honor their commitments to ensure this agreement paves the way for a lasting peace for women and girls in Palestine, Israel, and the region. The news of the initial release of hostages brings immense relief to them and their families. The ceasefire agreement marks a crucial step towards stability and peace.
For a full list of UN Women’s speeches and statements on the Middle East crisis, including joint statements with the Inter-Agency Standing Committee, click here.
