Born too soon: Premature babies fight for survival in Gaza | Gaza News
Gaza’s Newborn Crisis: Healthcare Strains Amid Ongoing Conflict
In the neonatal intensive care unit at Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in central Gaza, Noor Salem, 30, stands vigil beside an incubator where her newborn son, Yazan Al-Khalidi, resides. The infant, born eight months into Noor’s pregnancy, is attached to tubes and monitors, his small form barely visible through a sheet of quartz glass.
Yazan’s immediate transfer to the intensive care unit was necessary due to breathing complications upon birth, revealing a bluish hue that raised alarm. Instead of savouring the first moments with her child, Noor waits anxiously by the incubator in hopes of seeing his condition improve.
Yazan is her second child; she lost her first shortly after birth during the severe famine that struck Gaza in 2025, exacerbating her fear of losing another infant. During her pregnancy with Yazan, Noor faced significant shortages of basic necessities and the persistent anxiety linked to her previous loss.
“I was afraid throughout my pregnancy because I had already lost my baby before,” Noor recounted. “When he was born and I saw that he was not moving or crying like other babies, I felt terrified.”
As she seeks daily updates from medical staff, Noor’s hopes rest on Yazan’s survival and eventual return to her arms.
Rising Premature Births in Gaza
Since the onset of widespread violence in Gaza on October 7, 2023, reports indicate a troubling rise in premature births and underweight newborns. UNICEF has characterized this trend as a crisis, with one in five newborns requiring intensive neonatal or thermal care. Factors such as maternal malnutrition, chronic psychological stress, and diminishing prenatal care have adversely affected both mothers and their infants.
Dr. Afnan Abu Hasaballah, an obstetrician affiliated with UNRWA and Al-Awda Health Hospital in Nuseirat refugee camp, has observed firsthand the toll the ongoing conflict has taken on pregnant women. Many arrive at hospitals exhausted and mentally strained after experiences of displacement and deprivation.
“Constant fear, repeated displacement, and limited access to prenatal care have all increased the risk of premature birth,” Dr. Abu Hasaballah explained.
The blockade on Gaza has further aggravated maternal malnutrition, contributing to complications during pregnancy and resulting in more instances of low birth weights among newborns. “Many pregnant women during the war were unable to access sufficient or balanced food, which directly affected their health and that of their newborns,” she stated.
Pressure on Gaza’s Healthcare Services
Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital stands as the sole facility with a neonatal unit in central Gaza, placing immense strain on healthcare workers and resources. Dr. Abu Hasaballah expressed concern about operational limitations, including shortages of incubators, ventilators, and critical medications, compounded by ongoing power outages.
“Premature babies require continuous monitoring and specialized care,” she said. “When basic resources are lacking, the risks of complications—including breathing difficulties and infections—escalate.”
The physical separation of mothers from their newborns post-delivery has emerged as a painful reality, heightening anxiety for families. Dr. Abu Hasaballah highlighted the emotional distress faced when mothers must witness their infants being rushed to intensive care instead of being cradled in their arms.
“Instead of celebrating birth, mothers confront fear and uncertainty, especially given the overwhelming challenges in medical supply and infrastructure,” she noted.
New Challenges for Families
Once discharged, families face additional challenges in providing necessary care for their newborns. With the disruptions of war, items crucial for infant care, such as sterilization kits and baby formula, are either unavailable or too costly.
“In Nuseirat refugee camp, where many families have been displaced, mothers often lack even the most basic baby care resources,” said Dr. Abu Hasaballah.
The Qutoof Al-Khair Foundation, led by Akram Abu Jiab, has stepped in to support expectant mothers and newborns by distributing vitamins, nutritious supplements, and essential medical supplies. However, demand continues to outstrip available resources.
“The scale of needs greatly exceeds what we can provide,” Abu Jiab acknowledged. “Behind every baby born in Gaza is a mother striving to protect her child amid extraordinary difficulties. Supporting these mothers is essential for safeguarding the future generation.”
As the crisis unfolds, the challenges of maintaining maternal and child healthcare in Gaza remain pressing, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive support in the face of ongoing adversity.
