In its situation report released on December 21, UNRWA stated that its "doctors and midwives are doing everything possible to provide care for post-natal and high-risk pregnant women at the seven (out of 22) operational UNRWA health centers." The agency highlighted the challenges faced in delivering healthcare services amidst the ongoing conflict in the area.

On the specified date, a total of 221 post-natal and high-risk pregnancy cases were attended to at health centers, according to the report.

The dire conditions were emphasized through the account of a 26-year-old mother quoted in the report, who expressed, "I didn’t feel the joy of my baby’s arrival; instead, I feel pity for him and the conditions he was born into." The mother is currently displaced in Nuseirat Preparatory Girls School shelter.

UNRWA continues to provide healthcare to internally displaced persons at shelters through 97 medical teams, each composed of one to two doctors and a nurse, according to the report.

Amidst the ongoing conflict, Gaza's Ministry of Health has reported alarming figures, stating that 20,674 Palestinians have been killed, and 54,536 wounded since israel's military actions began on October 7. Palestinian and international estimates suggest that the majority of casualties are women and children, underscoring the devastating impact on the civilian population. (ILKHA)