**Newborns in Gaza Suffer Amid Deadly Conflict**
In the midst of a devastating war, new lives are being born in Gaza. However, the harsh conditions are taking a toll on newborn babies and those still in the womb. The United Nations reports that one in 10 new babies is underweight or premature due to acute food shortages.
At Nasser hospital in Khan Younis, pregnant woman Malak Brees fears for her baby’s safety amidst Israeli bombings and evacuation orders. She has already lost a significant amount of amniotic fluid, putting her unborn child at risk. Doctors have told her that the loss of amniotic fluid is likely due to malnutrition and exhaustion.
**Childbirth Becomes Riskier**
The blockade imposed by Israel on Gaza two weeks ago has led to a lack of basic medical supplies, including painkillers and hygiene products. Women are often giving birth in their tents or shelters without any medical assistance. Even when they do receive medical care, many women are being discharged from hospitals just hours after delivery, which can lead to complications for both mother and baby.
Sandra Adler Killen, a registered nurse who recently worked at Nasser hospital, says that the situation is dire. “We’re experiencing a huge increase in desperation, hopelessness, and suicidal ideation,” she states.
**Breastfeeding Challenges**
Many women are struggling to breastfeed due to their own poor health. A Scotland-based organization, the Gaza Infant Nutrition Alliance, has been training local medics to provide more support for breastfeeding mothers. However, even with this help, many women are unable to produce enough milk or have access to clean water.
**Devastating Stories**
Sandra shares several distressing cases she encountered during her time in Gaza. One woman had a difficult delivery alone with her husband in their tent camp due to Israeli air strikes. Another woman and her infant survived a tank shelling, but the mother was left unable to breastfeed after being injured.
**Loss of Life**
In one particularly devastating incident, Jomana Arafa, a high-risk pregnant woman with twins, lost her life, along with her newborn babies and mother-in-law, in an Israeli missile strike. Sandra Adler Killen describes this event as “devastating beyond devastating.”
**A Struggle to Survive**
For many women in Gaza, pregnancy and childbirth have become times of heightened stress and fear. Babies, once a symbol of hope and new life, now represent the struggle to survive. The situation is dire, and it will take more than just medical aid to address the underlying issues driving this crisis.
