Growing risks for pregnancy and childbirth in Gaza under Israeli blockade and bombardment
Published:
June 3, 2025
Source:
BBC World
Threat Level:
Critical
Summary
**EXECUTIVE BRIEFING**
**SITUATION**
Growing risks for pregnancy and childbirth in Gaza under Israeli blockade and bombardment are escalating. Reports indicate a significant increase in maternal mortality rates, with many women and girls facing inadequate access to healthcare services due to the prolonged blockade.
**BACKGROUND**
The Israeli blockade of Gaza, imposed since 2007, has severely restricted the movement of people and goods, including medical supplies. The recent escalation of violence has led to widespread destruction of healthcare infrastructure, exacerbating the crisis. The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that the situation is "critically alarming" and that immediate action is needed to address the shortage of essential medicines and equipment.
**ASSESSMENT**
The situation poses significant humanitarian concerns, with pregnant women and new mothers facing increased risks due to limited access to quality healthcare services. The lack of adequate medical care can lead to preventable deaths, further straining an already fragile healthcare system. The prolonged blockade has also exacerbated existing health disparities in Gaza.
**RECOMMENDATIONS**
1. Monitor the situation closely and provide regular updates on the availability of medical supplies and equipment.
2. Advocate for the immediate lifting of the Israeli blockade to allow for the free movement of people and goods, including medical aid.
3. Support humanitarian organizations working to address the healthcare crisis in Gaza, including providing funding and resources for emergency medical response efforts.
**SITUATION**
Growing risks for pregnancy and childbirth in Gaza under Israeli blockade and bombardment are escalating. Reports indicate a significant increase in maternal mortality rates, with many women and girls facing inadequate access to healthcare services due to the prolonged blockade.
**BACKGROUND**
The Israeli blockade of Gaza, imposed since 2007, has severely restricted the movement of people and goods, including medical supplies. The recent escalation of violence has led to widespread destruction of healthcare infrastructure, exacerbating the crisis. The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that the situation is "critically alarming" and that immediate action is needed to address the shortage of essential medicines and equipment.
**ASSESSMENT**
The situation poses significant humanitarian concerns, with pregnant women and new mothers facing increased risks due to limited access to quality healthcare services. The lack of adequate medical care can lead to preventable deaths, further straining an already fragile healthcare system. The prolonged blockade has also exacerbated existing health disparities in Gaza.
**RECOMMENDATIONS**
1. Monitor the situation closely and provide regular updates on the availability of medical supplies and equipment.
2. Advocate for the immediate lifting of the Israeli blockade to allow for the free movement of people and goods, including medical aid.
3. Support humanitarian organizations working to address the healthcare crisis in Gaza, including providing funding and resources for emergency medical response efforts.
Full Article Content
Amid a deadly war in Gaza, new lives begin. But newborn babies and those still in the womb are among the worst hit by the harsh conditions. With acute shortages of food, the UN says that one in 10 new babies is underweight or premature. There has also been an increase in miscarriages, stillbirths and congenital abnormalities. At Nasser hospital in the southern city of Khan Younis, Malak Brees, now seven months pregnant, fears the Israeli bombings and evacuation orders, and losing her baby. "I'm frightened that I could have a premature birth at any time and that my amniotic fluid isn't enough for the baby to grow in," she tells the BBC. Malak did not expect to conceive her second child. Six weeks ago, she lost a lot of amniotic fluid, putting her baby in danger.