In the first half of 2025, only 17,000 births were recorded, according to the Gazan health authorities, representing a 41% drop in the Gaza birth rate in the past three years, the agency said.
In addition, 220 mothers died-more than 20 times the total number of maternal deaths in 2022-while at least 20 newborns died within 24 hours of birth.
“Each mother and child deserves the right to a safe birth and a healthy start of life. What we are witnessing is a systematic denial of these fundamental rights, pushing an entire generation at the edge, “said Laila Baker, regional director For the Arab states to Unfpa.
These conditions occur in the midst of an Israeli bombing during Gaza which has moved the whole Palestinian population at least once and would have killed more than 60,000.
Something treatable becomes a death sentence
The UNFPA said that the systematic targeting of a health care system already on the verge of collapse creates an untenable situation for mothers and newborns.
The majority of hospitals and health establishments have been damaged or destroyed with medicine actions for seriously low purposes and seriously damaged medical equipment.
The ambulance services are also faced with serious obstacles, which means that women who give birth are faced with extreme challenges to access health care. In this context, the treatable complications of birth become death penalties.
“The extent of suffering for new mothers and their babies in Gaza is beyond understanding,” said Ms. Baker.
Avoidable loss
The UNFPA said that he had 170 trucks on the border between Israel and Gaza – and that since March 2025 – which contain rescue supplies such as ultrasound, portable incubators and maternity kits. However, they were not allowed to enter the band.
The agency has urged Israel to allow humanitarian aid “without hindrance, supported and demilitarized” in Gaza, including fuel, medical supplies and nutritional support.
“Each lost moment means a more preventable loss of life and unimaginable suffering for the most vulnerable,” said UNFPA.
Helps severe operations
Meanwhile, in New York, the United Nations spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said that the humanitarian operations of the organization in Gaza were “currently subject”, with humanitarian workers confronted with serious security risks, unreliable passages and routine delays or blockages of supplies.
He said that the UN “was ready to seize the opportunity of a ceasefire to considerably increase humanitarian operations through the Gaza Strip, as we did during the previous ceasefire”.
“Our plans are ready and they are finalized.”
However, it depends on the delivery of safe and unhindered help in Israel: to open all passages, restore the main supply routes, authorize fuel and essential equipment and ensure the safety of humanitarian personnel and civil movements.
The needs aggravate
During a visit to Gaza, the resident and humanitarian coordinator Ramiz Alakbarov met with assistance agencies in Deir al-Balah and congratulated the workers operating “in extraordinarily difficult and dangerous conditions”.
The needs aggravate: 109 Rescue organizations warn mass famine spread, humanitarian workers vanish hunger, the malnutrition of children is increasing and hospitals are overwhelmed and closes for lack of fuel.
“The amount of help that has entered Gaza is just a net compared to immense needs. Above all, we need a cease-fire to put an end to this devastating situation, “said Dujarric.
Publicado anteriormente en Almouwatin.
