Miscarriages and Premature Births on the Rise Due to Gaza War
(AWP) - A Palestinian medical official revealed what he described as a “staggering increase” in the number of preterm births and miscarriage cases in Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip, attributing it to Israel’s war on Gaza which exacerbates the suffering of pregnant women, especially those who are displaced.
Ahmed Mahmoud al-Qishta, a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist at the UAE Red Crescent Hospital in Rafah, said, “Preterm births and miscarriages have increased due to the current conditions, the overcrowding of displaced people in schools and the lack of prenatal care for pregnant women.”
He explained, “On a daily basis, we receive at least 20 cases of miscarriages, 20 to 35 Caesarean deliveries and 60 to 70 births. The hospital is small and cannot keep up with the large number of these cases. However, medical staff are working hard to offer the best possible care for pregnant women.”
Um Abdullah al-Sayyed, a displaced pregnant Palestinian woman, was worried about the medical complications that have resulted from her extreme fear of the horrors of war.
She complained, “Life is hard. I have malnutrition and a lack of hygiene. I am pregnant and abnormally tired. I have been here since yesterday afternoon because of complications and the possibility that I will have preterm birth because of fear.”
She added, “I am in the eighth month of pregnancy and face risks for both myself and the foetus due to these conditions.”
Esra Abu Sleisal, another displaced Palestinian woman, had a tragic experience with miscarriage after she discovered she was pregnant during the war.
She expressed sadness over the harrowing conditions the Palestinians in Gaza have faced since the start of the war over 100 days ago.
She said, “I found out about my pregnancy during the war. I had to have a prenatal checkup, but I had a miscarriage. Humanity is in such a state and devoid of hope; even the hope even for a simple life and the wish to have a baby. Our destroyed houses are the least of our problems. We have nothing except the clothes we are wearing.”
She concluded, “We appeal to all Arab countries and the whole world to take a look at us. We are humans just like them. We want to live just like they do.”
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) stated that approximately 20,000 births have taken place since the Israeli war started on October 7.
UN humanitarian staff expressed concern over the harsh and worsening conditions for children born in Gaza, indicating that many of them are not expected to survive.