NAGHAM KARAJEH

Gaza- Since October 7, 2023, the Israeli army has carried out attacks on the Gaza Strip. Due to ongoing Israeli attacks, women and girls face difficulties in meeting their basic needs; their living conditions in shelters have been deteriorating.

 The Israeli war on the Gaza Strip has led many displaced women to find alternatives. 55-year-old Majida Qudeih is one of them.

“On October 7, 2023, I woke up to the sound of explosions. The Israeli forces forced us to leave our houses in the city of Abasan al-Kabira. I was forced to flee to Nasser Medical Complex in the city of Khan Yunis. I took shelter there for three months. The hospital was extremely cold and an unfamiliar place. Due to the Israeli attacks on the hospital, I was forced to flee to Al-Aqsa University,” said Majida Qudeih.

She decided to live in her car

Majida Qudeih spent about a month at the university inside her car. “The clashes and bombardments forced me to go to the city of Rafah. I saw dead bodies and injured people on the way. I slept inside my car for months so I felt tired.” I read novels and books to ease the difficult conditions I faced. I cooked, slept and hosted people in my car for months. Many people have criticized me because I am a woman sleeping in my car alone. Living in the car was not easy at first, but I chose to stay inside my car so that I can flee when bombardments start.”

‘They have subjected to risks of physical and sexual attacks’

Women in Gaza do their best to resist the difficult living conditions, Majida Qudeih said. “They resist the war conditions with a strong will. Palestinian women are strong and determined women and they have a strong will. Since Israel ordered the evacuation of many areas, women and girls have been subjected to risks of physical and sexual attack.”

‘What is going on is against humanity’

Speaking about the living conditions in camps and shelter centers, she said, “Women and girls cannot meet their basic needs in the camps and shelter centers. They live in harsh conditions without security and healthcare services. What is going on in Gaza is against humanity.”

Women face many challenges such as the lack of privacy, unhealthy living conditions, Majida Qudeih added. “They live in crowded tents without security and privacy. All women in Gaza live in dark conditions amidst fear and exhaustion. The situation of displaced women and girls in the Gaza Strip is tragic.”

Majida Qudeih called on international women’s organizations to “support the women and girls in Gaza. We urge the United Nations and the International Court of Justice to put pressure on both parties to declare an immediate ceasefire.”