Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
Among the more than 1.6 million people in Palestine’s Gaza who are in dire need of humanitarian aid, children, expectant mothers, and the elderly remain the most vulnerable.
Pregnant Women’s Plight
At least 50,000 pregnant women in war-torn Gaza are unable to access essential health services, according to the World Health Organization, with some 5,500 due to give birth in the coming month. Around 160 women give birth each day in Gaza.
Newborns at Risk
Meanwhile, the lives of at least 120 newborn babies in incubators in Gaza’s hospitals are at risk as fuel runs out in the besieged Palestinian enclave, UNICEF warned.
Electricity Shortages Threaten Premature Babies
“If they (the premature babies) are put in mechanical ventilation incubators, by definition, if you cut the electricity, we are worried about their lives,” UNICEF spokesman Jonathan Crickx said.
Hospitals Shut Down
At least seven of 30 hospitals have been shut down in the besieged territory due to damage from relentless Israeli strikes and a lack of power, water, medicine, and other supplies due to Israel’s full-fledged blockade.
United Nations Agencies’ Plea
The humanitarian situation in Gaza is “catastrophic,” five United Nations agencies said on October 21, calling for more international help as conditions continue to deteriorate in the densely populated coastal enclave.
