UN Warns That Women and Children Are Bearing Biggest Burden in Gaza
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) warns that children and women are generally suffering most in the Gaza conflict.
Also, the latest figures from the Hamas-run Palestinian Ministry of Health claim that since the Israeli airstrikes started on 7th October, Israel’s attacks have killed more than 10,000 people in Gaza.
On 3rd November, according to the United Nations (UN) Ministry of Health, women and children represented 67% of all casualties in Gaza. The UN reported that 3760 children and 2326 women had died in the Gaza Strip, whilst thousands more were suffering from injuries.
In a joint statement on 6th November, the UN and other humanitarian organisations called Israel’s airstrikes “unacceptable.” They said, “An entire population is besieged and under attack, denied access to the essentials for survival, bombed in their homes, shelters, hospitals and places of worship. This is unacceptable,”
Pregnant women are a a large part of those suffering from bombed hospitals, as The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that there are around 50,000 pregnant women in Gaza. And despite Israeli strikes causing un-functioning health clinics, more than 180 women are giving birth in Gaza daily.
Women Giving Birth Amongst Rubble
With approximately 45 primary health care services and 14 hospitals closed, many women are having to give birth unsafely. And some women are labouring in the streets surrounded by rubble or in overwhelmed hospitals with rising infection risks.
Responding to these growing health issues, UN aid chief Martin Griffiths called for a ceasefire earlier today. Saying,
“We need an immediate humanitarian ceasefire. It’s been 30 days. Enough is enough. This must stop now.”
The UN said that as of 3rd November, approximately 130 premature babies’ lives were in danger. Failing baby incubators and other critical medical supplies are threatening these vulnerable lives.
In response to ceasefire calls, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said a ceasefire hinged on hostages. Yesterday, he stated, “There won’t be a ceasefire without the return of our hostages.” Also, “we say it to our enemies and to our friends, and we’ll simply carry on until we win. We don’t have an alternative.”
Meanwhile, Israel struck the Al Hilo Maternity Hospital on 1st November. The WHO says that “maternal deaths are expected to increase given the lack of access to adequate care.”
Want to help those in Gaza? If so, and you can, please donate to the British Red Cross’ appeal or Oxfam’s Gaza Crisis Appeal.
