The war in Gaza, led by Israel, has resulted in tens of thousands of pregnant women grappling with appalling sanitary conditions and health hazards. The UN agency highlighted the plight of these women in a recent statement, stating: "More than 150,000 pregnant women are facing terrible sanitary conditions and health hazards amid displacement and war."
In a poignant illustration of the crisis, UNRWA shared the story of a newborn girl named Habiba, born in a small tent amidst the chaos. At just two weeks old and weighing less than 2 kg, Habiba's struggle underscores the agency's message: "No child in the world should suffer like this."
According to UNICEF, the situation is further exacerbated by severe food poverty, with 95 percent of pregnant and breastfeeding women in the war-torn Gaza Strip affected.
The United Nations Population Fund recently reported that urgent aid packages, which include materials for childbirth, are still awaiting permission to enter Gaza through the Rafah crossing.
Since the Israeli aggression on the Strip began on October 7, the death toll has risen to 35,091, with over 78,827 people wounded. The situation for women in Gaza is particularly dire, as they represent a significant proportion of those killed, wounded, and missing. (ILKHA)