Palestine Issues Warning Regarding Catastrophic Deterioration Of Reproductive Health In Gaza Strip
By Desire Tshuma
The State of Palestine has issued an urgent and dire warning regarding the catastrophic deterioration of reproductive health in the Gaza Strip during the first half of 2025. The indicators paint a horrifying picture of a population, particularly women and infants, pushed to the brink of survival by the ongoing Israeli occupation, brutal blockade, and the systematic use of starvation as a weapon of war.
The stark reality is that 11,000 pregnant women are at risk of starvation, a condition that is exacerbated by the acute lack of medical supplies, fuel shortages, and the absence of medical staff. The consequences are devastating, with 2,600+ cases of miscarriage, 1,556+ premature births, and 220 cases of fetal death before delivery.
Moreover, 67 cases of congenital malformations have been recorded, and 1,600 babies were born underweight. The neonatal intensive care units are overwhelmed, with 2,500+ newborns admitted due to complications. Most births today take place in tents, damaged houses, or even on the streets, a far cry from the minimum standards of healthcare amid the constant bombing from Israeli occupation forces.
The State of Palestine holds the Israeli occupation, all complicit states, and the international community fully responsible for every innocent life lost due to this systematic and criminal siege. The use of starvation as a weapon of war is a blatant violation of international humanitarian law and a crime against humanity. While the state of Palestine commends the countries that are conducting aid air drops in Gaza, the Israeli occupation should be compelled to allow aid by road.
Since the start of the ongoing genocide in Gaza in October 2023, at least 60,034 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces, a staggering number that continues to rise with each passing day. In the face of this unmitigated humanitarian crisis, the state of Palestine urgently demands the immediate and unconditional opening of all crossings to allow the swift entry of baby formula, humanitarian aid and allow United Nations agencies to enter Gaza and assume their responsibilities. The international community must take immediate action to prevent further loss of life and alleviate the suffering of the people of Gaza.
Ambassador Tamer Almassri appeals to the conscience of the world to recognize the gravity of this situation and respond with the urgency it deserves. The people of Gaza are not just statistics; they are human beings who deserve the right to life, dignity, and access to basic human necessities. The people of Palestine will continue to resist the occupation and demand justice until the siege is lifted, and the people of Gaza can live a life free from fear, starvation, and oppression.
