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Civilian casualties

Devastating Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza: Urgent Action Needed

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The occupied Palestinian territory has been witnessing a humanitarian crisis of unprecedented proportions, with the Deputy Executive Director of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) describing the destruction in Gaza as "the set of a dystopian movie." Andrew Sapperton witnessed "seemingly endless piles of rubble" and reported that one in four people in the Gaza Strip is starving, including 11,500 pregnant women who are unable to access basic necessities. The crisis has resulted in maternal deaths rising due to lack of access to medicines, with 94% of hospitals damaged or destroyed, and newborns being crammed into single incubators due to fuel and equipment shortages.

Key Takeaways:

  • The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is of catastrophic proportions, with 1 in 4 people starving, including 11,500 pregnant women.
  • 70% of newborns are premature and low-birth-weight, while 1 in 3 pregnancies is considered high-risk.
  • 94% of hospitals in Gaza have been damaged or destroyed, and newborns are being crammed into single incubators due to fuel and equipment shortages.
  • Maternal deaths are rising due to lack of access to medicines, and women are giving birth on the side of the road or in tents.
  • The UN Population Fund needs to open all border crossings, remove obstacles, and provide full, safe, and sustainable humanitarian access to deliver aid to women and girls in Gaza.
  • 700,000 women and girls in Gaza face challenges with menstruation due to lack of privacy, sanitation, clean water, and sanitary pads.
  • The UNFPA's plans include restoring healthcare and protection services for women and girls in Gaza, rebuilding maternity wards, and providing postpartum supplies.

Statistics:

  • 68,280 civilians have been killed and 170,375 others injured in the ongoing Israeli aggression on Gaza since October 7, 2023.
  • 90% of the Strip's civilian infrastructure, including hospitals, health centers, and ambulances, has been destroyed.
  • 89 civilians have been killed and 317 others injured in daily violations by the occupation since the ceasefire took effect on October 11.
  • 1 in 4 people in the Gaza Strip is starving, including 11,500 pregnant women.
  • 70% of newborns are premature and low-birth-weight, while 1 in 3 pregnancies is considered high-risk.

Sources:

  • Maan News Agency, October 24, 2025.

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