New York (Web Desk): The situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, with the ongoing military actions and the complete blockade of aid amplifying the challenges faced by the population, especially for those giving birth in the besieged area.
The World Health Organization (WHO) highlighted on Wednesday the severe risks mothers face as they go into labour under these harsh conditions, putting both their lives and the lives of their babies in grave danger.
It has now been five weeks since Israel halted all commercial and humanitarian supplies from reaching Gaza, exacerbating the crisis.
Critical shortages of medicines, medical supplies, and equipment are causing immense strain on the healthcare system. Blood and other vital supplies for maternal and child health are running dangerously low, with UN aid teams confirming the alarming situation.
In addition, unexploded ordnance continues to pose a deadly threat across Gaza, compounding the challenges faced by civilians.
Luke Irving, who leads the Mine Action Programme in the occupied Palestinian territories, emphasized that the primary concern for people in Gaza is survival — securing food, water, and basic needs amidst the chaos.
At the United Nations headquarters, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres made a strong appeal for unrestricted access for humanitarian aid to Gaza, urging for a renewed ceasefire and the release of hostages. He pointed out how the temporary truce earlier had allowed for some aid distribution and hostage releases, but the resumption of hostilities and the drying up of relief supplies have worsened the situation.
The latest updates from UN agencies confirm that no aid has entered Gaza since early March.
UNICEF has warned that with malnutrition, diseases, and preventable conditions surging, the risk of child deaths is rapidly increasing.
The humanitarian situation has also worsened as mass displacement continues, with over 390,000 people forced to flee their homes in just the past few weeks.
Two-thirds of Gaza has been declared a “no-go” zone or is under orders for forced displacement due to the ongoing military activity.
Between October 2023 and April 2025, more than 50,000 Palestinians have been killed, and nearly 116,000 others have been injured, according to Gaza’s health authorities.
Meanwhile, the toll on humanitarian workers has been devastating, with at least 412 aid workers killed, including 14 in recent weeks from organizations such as the Palestine Red Crescent and the UNRWA.
The attacks on aid workers have drawn widespread condemnation from international bodies, with UN officials stressing the need for greater protection of those working in such dangerous conditions.
Luke Irving of the Mine Action Programme has echoed these concerns, underscoring the urgent need for enhanced protection for aid workers who are operating in active combat zones.
The humanitarian situation is exacerbated by widespread shortages in food and nutrition supplies. In March, the number of children screened for malnutrition dropped by more than a third compared to February, and only half of the planned food distribution targets were met in North Gaza.
The surge in displacement has further strained Gaza’s already overwhelmed shelters. Conditions in these temporary shelters are rapidly deteriorating, with overcrowding, poor hygiene, and sanitation issues. There have been reports of flea and insect infestations, and access to clean water remains scarce.
These compounded challenges underscore the gravity of the ongoing crisis and the pressing need for immediate international intervention to alleviate the suffering of the people in Gaza.
