“Save children in Gaza from hunger and death!”

Today, on the day on which Viennese children experience their first day of school, children in Gaza are fighting for their survival. Around 2.1 million people live in the Gaza strip; About 90% of them were sold, many of them several times. The system for integrated classification of nutritional security (IPC) shows that around 514,000 people are currently affected by famine. If violence is not stopped and comprehensive humanitarian aid is provided, will be in the next few months at least 132,000 children under the age of 5 are threatened by death (1).

Several women*and humanitarian organizations, including Wilpf Austria, Amnesty International and the women*solidarity, gathered on September 1st before the start of the annual ambassador conference in Vienna. They appeal to those responsible to use an immediate ceasefire and comprehensive humanitarian aid in Gaza. The organizations handed over a claim paper and an open letter to the diplomats at the rally.

“Diplomacy must not be silent when children die. People in Gaza need protection, food, water and medication. They need an immediate ceasefire.” Requests Rosa Logar, Wilpf Austria, at the rally.

The organizations in particular demand the immediate implementation of the UN resolution of June 12, 2025, which demands an unconditional and permanent ceasefire. Likewise, the worthy and unconditional release of all hostages that are captured by Hamas and other groups.

Wilpf Austria draws special attention to the feminist implications of the genocide. 67% of the Palestinians killed in the Gaza Strip are women and girls. According to the Reem, UN special reporter to violence against women and girls, whose causes and consequences, is a femi genocide. The specific and disproportionate effects of armed conflicts and wars on women, children and marginalized groups were extensively documented. This is also clearly shown in Gaza. Support measures must think about this.

Immediate and comprehensive humanitarian measures are required. Every further delay – even just a few weeks – leads to an escalation of the famine. Acts must follow.

Wilpf is the oldest women’s peace organization, founded in 1915. Wilpf is committed to world peace, for disarmament, women*/ children*/ human rights and climate justice.

(1) Sources for all information: UN warns Gaza crisis could worsen without safe, unrestricted aid flow | UN News; Palestine | World Food Programme; IPC_Famine_Review_Committee_Report_Gaza_Aug2025.pdf Download 28. August 2025