The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has reached alarming levels, with reports detailing the severe impact on pregnant women and newborns. Zahir Al-Wahidi, director of Information Systems at Gaza’s health ministry, revealed that at least 56 children have starved to death. Meanwhile, over 1,054 health workers, including at least six pediatricians and five obstetrician-gynecologists, have lost their lives. This dire situation is compounded by a staggering 300% increase in miscarriage rates since October 7, 2023, as reported by the International Planned Parenthood Federation. The Ministry of Health in Gaza has also confirmed that over 47,306 Palestinians have been killed.
The United Nations reproductive rights agency underscores the grim reality that more than 48,000 pregnant women face emergency or catastrophic food insecurity. The UN's children’s agency reports that eight infants and newborns have died from hypothermia. The harsh conditions have forced caregivers to use contaminated water for infant formula, further endangering babies with dehydration, hepatitis A, and skin infections. Despite a fragile ceasefire, new and expecting mothers in Gaza continue to face dire challenges.
The Gaza Government Media Office reports the deaths of at least 12,316 women and 808 babies under the age of one. Human Rights Watch (HRW) has accused Israel of imposing "serious and sometimes life-threatening danger" on pregnant and postpartum women through 15 months of bombardment and siege. The conflict has exacerbated risks of miscarriage, preterm birth, stillbirth, postpartum hemorrhage, and underweight newborns. A shortage of antibacterial materials poses additional threats of sepsis, pneumonia, and meningitis among newborns.
Emergency obstetric and newborn care is severely limited, available only at seven out of 18 partially functioning hospitals, four out of 11 field hospitals, and one community health center in Gaza. HRW also highlights that stress from attacks, coupled with food and water shortages, has significantly increased preterm births. Furthermore, allegations have been made against the Israeli military and COGAT for enforcing an unlawful blockade, restricting essential resources such as water, food, and electricity, and targeting the medical system.
Israa Mazen Diab al-Ghul, a 30-year-old pregnant woman displaced in Nuseirat, central Gaza, shares the harrowing experiences faced by expecting mothers.
“I was afraid that we would be exposed to direct shelling or missile fragments, and from the rain and cold and the flooding of the tents.” – Israa Mazen Diab al-Ghul
The psychological strain is immense as Israa struggles with the fear of bringing a child into such turmoil.
“I vomited, and I was worried it would kill the baby … I started begging that God would take the baby, so I wouldn’t need to give birth during this war.” – Israa Mazen Diab al-Ghul
Healthcare workers like Dr. Radi are working under unimaginable conditions to save lives.
“We try to intubate the babies. Sometimes it has helped, but the picture is very gloomy,” – Dr. Radi
The heartbreak is palpable as he recounts personal losses.
“in the last month I can remember more than six babies with low birthweight dying in front of me.” – Dr. Radi
The HRW report titled "Five Babies in One Incubator: Violations of Pregnant Women’s Rights Amid Israel’s Assault on Gaza" highlights the extreme violations facing pregnant women.
“serious and sometimes life-threatening danger” – Human Rights Watch report
Mayas Sufyan Musa, a 25-year-old mother, shares her fears during childbirth amidst the chaos.
“I was very afraid of bleeding,” – Mayas Sufyan Musa
She describes the appalling conditions within medical facilities.
“It was a very difficult moment, and the cleanliness in the hospital was non-existent.” – Mayas Sufyan Musa
Rahaf Umm Khaled, who is four months pregnant, echoes the scarcity of resources.
“Everything is scarce,” – Rahaf Umm Khaled
The crisis in Gaza is not just about survival; it is about dignity and humanity in the face of overwhelming adversity. The international community must urgently address these violations and provide necessary aid to ensure the safety and health of Gaza's most vulnerable—its women and children.
