The conflict in Gaza has caused unparalleled destruction, death and displacement. Around 1.7 million people – nearly 80 percent of the population – are estimated to be internally displaced, many of them multiple times. Of them, 1 million are women and girls with barely any access to critical sexual and reproductive health care, washing facilities or protection services against gender-based violence. 

The recent escalation of hostilities in Rafah and across Gaza has only deepened the suffering. For the estimated 155,000 pregnant and breastfeeding women in particular, the widespread lack of services, food and health support is life-threatening, leaving them exhausted, traumatized and with  nowhere safe to go.  

Yet around 5,500 women are giving birth every month in these catastrophic conditions. The health-care system has been destroyed, fighting and insecurity make it difficult to restock hospitals, and health staff in desperate need of medicines and supplies are struggling to care for pregnant women, new mothers and newborns. 

If women do survive pregnancy and childbirth, they must return to overcrowded shelters and informal settlements that lack clean water and latrines. Protection risks have also increased for women and girls while services to prevent and respond to gender-based violence are scarce.