The Struggles of Motherhood Amidst Conflict in Gaza

Since the onset of the current conflict on October 7, 2023, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza has severely impacted pregnant women and newborns. Reports indicate that over 3,000 babies have been born in collapsing hospitals, many facing health complications due to malnutrition and inadequate medical care. The United Nations estimates that approximately 50,000 pregnant women were in Gaza at the beginning of the conflict, with more than 180 giving birth daily. Alarmingly, 15% of these women are likely to encounter complications requiring medical attention.

The experiences of mothers like Tasneem and Doaa illustrate the dire conditions under which they give birth. Tasneem, who gave birth on December 25, 2023, faced overcrowded hospitals lacking basic necessities such as food and diapers. Similarly, Doaa endured the emotional toll of displacement and fear during her pregnancy, ultimately giving birth to her son Hossam in an overwhelmed facility. The World Health Organization reports that 10% of Gaza's population and up to 20% of pregnant women suffer from moderate to severe malnutrition, exacerbating the challenges faced by mothers.

The ongoing conflict has led to critical shortages of essential resources. Mothers report difficulties in accessing nutritious food necessary for recovery and breastfeeding. Médecins Sans Frontières indicates that 25% of pregnant and breastfeeding women are malnourished. The situation is further compounded by the blockade of medical supplies, with UNICEF reporting that newborns are forced to share oxygen masks in overcrowded hospitals due to a lack of equipment.

The health implications of the conflict are stark. Neonatal mortality rates have surged, with miscarriage rates tripling and stillbirths exceeding pre-war levels. In the first half of 2025, the U.N. Population Fund documented that among 17,000 births, 20 newborns died within 24 hours, and 33% of babies required intensive care. The conditions of birth often include sharing incubators and giving birth without anesthesia during power outages, highlighting the extreme challenges faced by mothers and healthcare providers.

The ongoing violence and humanitarian crisis in Gaza have profound implications for the future of its children. Palestinian scholar Nadera Shalhoub-Kevorkian describes this situation as "unchilding," where children are stripped of their right to a normal childhood. The psychological impact on children is severe, with many exhibiting signs of trauma and stress. The constant threat of violence has altered the very fabric of childhood in Gaza, where play is now often centered around reenacting airstrikes.

The complete collapse of childhood in Gaza

International organizations, including UNICEF and the World Health Organization, have called for urgent humanitarian assistance and the evacuation of ill and premature infants from northern Gaza hospitals. However, Israel's military has restricted the transfer of medical supplies, complicating efforts to address the crisis.

The New Arab

• “To be pregnant in Gaza today is to give life with death knocking at the door.” — Anonymous

• “They told her mother she might give birth to a child with disabilities because of her lack of vitamins,” — Aya, Dana’s cousin

• “This is the level of desperation mums have now got to.” — James Elder, UNICEF spokesperson

The New Arab

• “Mothers in Gaza can no longer look forward to having a baby,” — Bailey, child psychotherapist

The complete collapse of childhood in Gaza

The plight of mothers and their newborns in Gaza underscores the urgent need for humanitarian intervention and a resolution to the ongoing conflict, as each birth represents not just a new life but an act of resilience amidst overwhelming adversity.