Premature Infants Struggle for Survival Amid Gaza Crisis

In the heart of Gaza, Noor Salem, a 30-year-old mother, stands vigil beside an incubator at a neonatal intensive care unit, anxiously watching her premature baby, Yazan Al-Khalidi. Born eight months into her pregnancy, Yazan's fragile condition necessitated immediate medical attention at Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir el-Balah. Noor's heart aches as she observes her son, connected to various tubes and monitors, his tiny body struggling to breathe. The emotional toll of this moment is compounded by the memory of her first child, who tragically passed away shortly after birth during the devastating famine in Gaza in 2025, a consequence of the ongoing conflict. The fear of losing another child looms large over Noor, who recalls the anxiety that enveloped her throughout her pregnancy. "I was terrified because of my past loss. When Yazan was born and showed no signs of movement or cries, I was consumed by fear for his survival," she shares, hoping for the day she can hold her son in her arms.

The situation for newborns in Gaza has deteriorated significantly since the onset of the recent violence on October 7, 2023. UNICEF has raised alarms about a surge in premature births and underweight infants, with one in five newborns requiring intensive care. Factors such as maternal malnutrition, psychological stress, and a decline in prenatal services are contributing to this alarming trend. Dr. Afnan Abu Hasaballah, an obstetrician affiliated with UNRWA and Al-Awda Health Hospital, has witnessed firsthand the dire circumstances faced by pregnant women. Many arrive at hospitals in a state of severe stress and exhaustion, having endured repeated displacements and the trauma of bombings. "The constant fear and lack of basic necessities, including food and clean water, have escalated the risks of premature births," she explains. The ongoing Israeli siege exacerbates malnutrition issues, further jeopardizing the health of both mothers and their unborn children.

The challenges do not end with birth; the neonatal unit at Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital, the only facility of its kind in central Gaza, is overwhelmed with demand. Health workers are grappling with shortages of essential equipment, including incubators and medications, compounded by frequent power outages. Dr. Abu Hasaballah highlights the critical need for continuous monitoring and care for premature infants, stating, "When resources are scarce, the likelihood of serious complications rises, and sadly, we may lose infants who could have survived with adequate care." The emotional strain on mothers, separated from their newborns immediately after birth, adds another layer of distress. Instead of celebrating their child's arrival, they face uncertainty and fear for their survival. Once discharged, families encounter a new set of challenges, as many struggle to provide basic necessities for their children due to displacement and economic hardship. Organizations like Qutoof Al-Khair Foundation are stepping in to assist, offering vital support to pregnant women and new mothers in need of nutritional supplements and medical supplies. Akram Abu Jiab, the foundation's head, emphasizes the growing demand for their services, reflecting the urgent need for comprehensive care for premature infants and their families in this crisis-stricken region.