In a statement in Geneva, Switzerland, UNICEF communications expert, Tess Ingram, highlighted the dire circumstances faced by pregnant women and newborn babies in Gaza during the 105-day escalation of tensions. Some 20,000 babies have been born in the war-torn environment, equivalent to one birth every 10 minutes.

"The situation of pregnant women and newborn babies in Gaza is unbelievable and requires intensified and immediate action," stressed Ingram.

Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers and their babies are enduring inhumane conditions in makeshift shelters, with poor nutrition and unsafe water sources.

Ingram warned that such conditions put some 135,000 children under the age of two at serious risk of malnutrition.

Since 7 October, the zionist army's genocidal war has resulted in 24,762 deaths, 62,108 injuries and the displacement of over 85% of Gaza's population, creating an unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe. (ILKHA)