UN Official Sounds Alarm on Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza: “No More ‘Normal-Sized Babies'”
Last Updated on March 16, 2024 5:30 am
A senior United Nations official has issued a stark warning about the dire humanitarian situation unfolding in Gaza, emphasizing the devastating impact on mothers and newborns. Dominic Allen, the representative for the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) in the state of Palestine, described the situation as a “nightmare” during a video news conference from Jerusalem.
Allen’s visit to Gaza revealed alarming trends in maternity services, particularly in the north of the territory. He reported that doctors are no longer seeing typical-sized newborns, instead encountering small and sickly infants, along with an increase in stillbirths and neonatal deaths. These distressing outcomes, Allen explained, are often linked to malnutrition, dehydration, and complications arising from the lack of adequate medical supplies and resources.
The number of complicated deliveries has doubled since the onset of the conflict with Israel, placing immense strain on mothers who are already stressed, fearful, underfed, and exhausted. Allen highlighted reports of women being forced to undergo Caesarean sections without sufficient anesthesia, describing the situation as “unthinkable” and calling for urgent action to address the shortages in medical supplies.
Despite appeals for assistance, Allen criticized Israeli authorities for obstructing the delivery of essential aid to Gaza. He cited instances where UNFPA supply shipments, including kits for midwives, were refused entry or had critical items removed. This obstruction, Allen emphasized, exacerbates an already dire humanitarian crisis, describing it as “beyond catastrophic” and a “crisis of humanity.”
As Allen departed Gaza, he expressed profound concern for the welfare of the women and children enduring the ongoing conflict. He recounted heartbreaking encounters during his visit, witnessing firsthand the profound suffering and deprivation faced by the population, including children forced to navigate military checkpoints in a state of fear and distress.
The escalating violence between Israel and Hamas has exacted a heavy toll on civilian populations, with thousands of lives lost and communities shattered. While Israel justifies its actions as part of efforts to combat Hamas, humanitarian organizations continue to sound the alarm over the devastating impact on innocent civilians, particularly women and children, trapped in the crossfire of conflict.
The international community faces mounting pressure to address the crisis in Gaza and work towards a sustainable resolution to the longstanding conflict, as the toll on human lives and dignity continues to escalate.