Displaced Mothers in Gaza Face Harrowing Challenges in Caring for Newborns
In the midst of ongoing conflict in Gaza, displaced mothers are grappling with the overwhelming challenges of caring for their newborns in dire conditions. Rana Salah, a resident of a displacement camp in Deir al-Balah, shares her anguish over giving birth to her daughter, Milana, during such tumultuous times. With over 20,000 babies born in Gaza over the past year, the situation for mothers and infants is increasingly precarious.
Rana recounts her experience of giving birth in a hospital tent after a caesarean section due to complications, a stark contrast to her previous experiences. She expresses feelings of guilt and despair, stating, "If it were up to me, I wouldn’t have gotten pregnant or given birth during the war." The ongoing Israeli aggression has resulted in over 41,500 Palestinian deaths, and the destruction of homes has left much of the population displaced.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised alarms regarding the significant decline in post-natal services in Gaza, leaving many women without the necessary care for themselves and their newborns. Rick Brennan, WHO's Director of the Emergency Programme for the Eastern Mediterranean, highlights the threats posed by malnutrition and the lack of access to breast-milk substitutes, which are critical for newborn health.
Mothers like Manar Abu Jarad, who gave birth to her daughter Sahar in a UN-run shelter, face unimaginable hardships. With her husband killed in the conflict, she struggles to care for her three daughters, often using only one diaper a day due to financial constraints. Manar's daily reality is filled with uncertainty and longing for peace, stating, "I don’t have money to buy diapers or milk for her," emphasizing the dire need for humanitarian assistance in the region.
