The UN’s sexual and reproductive health agency says its partners in Gaza are reporting a rise in premature births and maternal deaths amid Israel’s war on the Palestinian enclave.
“Sexual and reproductive healthcare, including postnatal and family planning services, have become severely limited for 155,000 pregnant and breastfeeding women, who face serious health risks due to a lack of prenatal and postnatal care,” the agency said.
“Complicated and high-risk pregnancies linked with negative outcomes have increased, while access to safe childbirth services has dramatically decreased, especially in the North.”
Many women are being forced to give birth without access to medical support, it said.
“Menstrual hygiene has also become nearly impossible to manage, as over 690,000 menstruating women lack access to basic sanitary supplies,” the agency said. “The cost of essential items like soap has skyrocketed by 1,100%, making it impossible to keep clean and increasing women’s vulnerability to violence and exploitation.”
Israel’s genocide in Gaza has killed at least 43,374 Palestinians and wounded 102,261 since October 7, 2023.
