Gaza healthcare is in dire straits as more underweight babies are born.
The World Health Organisation raised concern over rising neonatal mortality in Gaza, where doctors report increasing cases of low birth weight infants unable to survive the critical period. WHO spokesperson Margaret Harris said medics across maternity centres pointed to “a big rise” in small babies lacking nourishment and perishing soon after birth.
With up to 15 malnourished children presenting daily, the sole paediatric hospital in northern Gaza was overwhelmed. Underlying illnesses turn life-threatening paired with deficiencies, she noted.
Earlier this year, fighting between Israel and Hamas had laid waste to Gaza’s largest medical facility, Al-Shifa Hospital. It formed the backbone of healthcare with 750 beds and multiple operating theatres.
Unable to collect comprehensive mortality data due to devastation, the UN agency cited temporary stabilisation centres handling medical and nutritional emergencies together.
While Israel evacuated Gaza City this week after battling militants inside hospitals too, razing key infrastructure exacerbated vulnerability, and long-term impacts endangered women and child well-being in the blockaded region.
Stark realities underscore the pressing need for urgent humanitarian assistance and rebuilding of essential public services.
