"Humanitarian Crisis: Pregnant Women and Newborns Suffering in Gaza Conflict"

Women, children, and newborns in Gaza are disproportionately affected by the ongoing conflict, both as casualties and in terms of reduced access to health services. As of November 3rd, 67% of all casualties in Gaza are women and children, with 420 children being killed or injured every day. The conflict has severely disrupted maternal, newborn, and child health services, leaving pregnant women unable to access emergency obstetric care. The lack of access to adequate care is expected to increase maternal deaths, while the psychological toll of the hostilities has led to stress-induced miscarriages, stillbirths, and premature births. Malnutrition and inadequate access to food and water are also increasing risks for mothers and their families. The lives of newborns are at risk if hospitals run out of fuel, threatening the functioning of incubators and other medical equipment. Over half of Gaza's population is sheltering in dire conditions, leading to hunger, malnutrition, and the spread of waterborne diseases. Humanitarian agencies urgently need sustained and safe access to bring essential supplies into Gaza, and an immediate humanitarian pause is necessary to prevent the situation from becoming catastrophic.