Dear friend,

We condemn the attacks on and killing of civilians and the destruction of their homes in Israel and Palestine. Every person deserves to feel safe, and our hearts go out to those who have lost or are worried for the safety of their loved ones.

At UNFPA, we are particularly concerned for the safety and wellbeing of women and girls during this escalating crisis. In times of conflict, and especially war, women and girls are among the most vulnerable. Their risk of experiencing violence skyrockets, they lose access to critical maternal health care, and, far too often, women and girls are stripped of their basic dignity. Already, many women and children have lost their lives and others have been subjected to unthinkable violence.

UNFPA is on the ground delivering lifesaving care in crisis-stricken regions around the world, including in Gaza and the West Bank, where the health care system is crippled and collapsing. Currently, there are 50,000 pregnant women in Gaza who are unable to access essential health services. 5,500 of these women are due to give birth in the coming month. Without access to lifesaving emergency obstetric care, some of these women will die from preventable complications.

We remain committed to being there for every woman and girl and we are doing everything we can to deliver care, including:

• Support for midwives to perform their services outside of hospitals in designated Safe Motherhood Emergency Centers in the West Bank. We are prepared to provide virtual midwifery support in Gaza.
• Preparing UNFPA Dignity Kits to be delivered the moment that access is granted to Gaza. 3,000 Dignity Kits were also provided to the Egyptian Red Cross for survivors in their jurisdiction.
• Responding to instances of violence against women, including coordinating social services, medical treatment, and mental health support.

Friend, we can make a difference for the innocent women and girls who have found themselves in this crisis through no fault of their own. Today, we are urgently asking for your support to continue this vital work.

Our immediate priority is to meet the needs of women and girls facing an urgent and pressing need for sexual and reproductive health services and humanitarian assistance. No other organization has the infrastructure, relationships, expertise, or access to do the work we do. And through your support today, we can provide any woman or girl who seeks care from UNFPA with the lifesaving care she needs. We can make good on our promise to be there for every woman and girl.

Your contribution can make a difference. Please, friend, will you make an emergency humanitarian gift today to support women and girls surviving this crisis and crises around the world?

With great appreciation,
USA for UNFPA