Full Breakdown
The Impact of Conflict on Maternal Health: A Case Study from Gaza
12/22/2025, 11:16:26 PM
Al Gherbawi's Experience During the Gaza Conflict
In late October 2023, Al Gherbawi, a pregnant woman in Gaza, experienced a devastating Israeli airstrike on a residential building in Gaza City, which reportedly resulted in over 100 casualties. Seeking safety, she fled to al-Shifa hospital, where conditions were dire, with displaced individuals filling every available space. Al Gherbawi described the horror of that night, stating, “I can’t forget the horror of that night.”
As the conflict escalated, Al Gherbawi and her husband decided to move south to Khan Younis to have their baby. The conditions in displacement camps were challenging, with limited access to basic facilities. Fearing complications during labor, she requested to be induced at Nasser hospital. However, chaos ensued when a nearby building was struck during her labor, heightening her anxiety about the safety of her newborn.
The Struggles of Pregnancy Amid War
Al Gherbawi's second pregnancy was marked by severe hardships, including starvation. She recounted days where her only sustenance was a single cucumber, while her son Jawad cried for food. “You’d be sleeping and crying because you’re hungry and you can’t find anything to eat,” she said, emphasizing the dire conditions faced by families in conflict zones.
The United Nations has characterized Israel’s actions in Gaza as consistent with genocide, citing the use of starvation as a method of warfare. As her due date approached, Al Gherbawi moved back in with her parents near a hospital. Despite the overwhelming conditions, she managed to deliver her second son, Fares, in an ambulance, attributing his low birth weight to the starvation she endured.
Broader Context of Maternal Health in Conflict Zones
Al Gherbawi's experience reflects a broader pattern of reproductive violence in conflict zones, where women face increased risks during childbirth due to inadequate healthcare and direct attacks on maternity facilities. A report highlighted nearly 300 attacks on maternity care in conflict areas, including Gaza, Ukraine, and Sudan. Sima Bahous, executive director of UN Women, stated, “These are not natural consequences of war. They constitute a pattern of reproductive violence.”
In Gaza, reports indicate that women continue to suffer from inadequate care, with many giving birth in unsafe conditions due to the destruction of healthcare facilities. Dr. Adnan Radi, head of gynecology at al-Awda hospital, noted that rockets have targeted maternity wards directly, exacerbating the crisis.
Official Statements and Responses
The Israeli military has denied targeting maternity care facilities, asserting that it does not aim to affect the birthrate of Gaza’s civilian population. However, the ongoing violence and destruction of healthcare infrastructure raise significant concerns about the safety and well-being of pregnant women and newborns in conflict zones.
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
While the UN has documented the impact of conflict on maternal health, discrepancies exist regarding the extent of casualties and the specific conditions faced by women during childbirth. Reports vary on the number of attacks on healthcare facilities and the availability of medical resources, highlighting the challenges in obtaining accurate information in war-torn regions.
Conclusion
Al Gherbawi's story underscores the profound challenges faced by women in conflict zones, where the intersection of war and maternal health creates a dire situation for both mothers and their children. As the international community grapples with these issues, the need for comprehensive support and protection for reproductive healthcare in conflict areas remains critical.
