Israel's military campaign claims over 51,000 Palestinian lives

In Gaza, the ongoing military campaign has had devastating effects on the civilian population, particularly pregnant women and children. Since the escalation of violence in October 2023, the health and safety of pregnant women have been severely compromised. As of April 2025, many expectant mothers live in dire conditions, facing malnutrition and a lack of access to medical care. Reports indicate that hospitals are overwhelmed and ill-equipped to handle the influx of patients, leading to increased rates of premature births and maternal complications. Yasmine Siam, a nearly seven months pregnant woman, has found herself in a crowded tent camp in Khan Younis, struggling to find proper nutrition and adequate shelter. Despite the ongoing struggles, the despair of living under constant bombardment has not led to a complete absence of hope. Her pregnancy follows a whirlwind marriage, and she receives some support from family members who send baby essentials. The toll of the military operations has been grave, as healthcare facilities in Gaza have reported increased numbers of miscarriages and insufficient resources to care for newborns. According to the United Nations Population Fund, about 20% of pregnancies in the region are high-risk due to malnutrition among expecting mothers. The report highlights the alarming statistics that indicate a significant portion of newborns are born premature or suffer from complications as hospitals remain overwhelmed. Overall, the combination of military action, restricted access to food, and scarce medical resources has placed immense pressure on pregnant women in Gaza, bringing attention to the urgent need for humanitarian assistance and a resolution to the ongoing conflict. The conditions these women face exemplify the far-reaching consequences of the war, requiring immediate action to safeguard their health and the wellbeing of their babies.