In the first half of 2025, Gaza experienced a 41% decline in its birth rate, with only 17,000 births recorded. The UN Population Fund (UNFPA) reports "catastrophic" conditions for pregnant women and newborns, citing a dysfunctional healthcare system, psychological stress, food deprivation, and the ongoing Israeli bombardment which has reportedly killed over 60,000 and displaced the entire Palestinian population multiple times. Hospitals and health facilities are damaged or destroyed, medicine and equipment are severely lacking, and ambulance services are impeded, leading to preventable maternal and infant deaths. UNFPA has 170 trucks of aid at the border, but Israel has not allowed them entry.

UNFPA and the UN are urging Israel to allow unimpeded humanitarian aid, including fuel, medical supplies, and nutritional support. UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric stated that humanitarian operations are under severe strain due to security risks, unreliable crossings, and supply blockages. He indicated that the UN has plans to significantly scale up aid following a ceasefire, contingent upon Israel enabling safe and unimpeded aid delivery. UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Ramiz Alakbarov visited Gaza and witnessed firsthand the dire conditions, while 109 relief organizations warn of mass starvation, widespread malnutrition, and overwhelmed hospitals.

Impact Statement: The ongoing conflict in Gaza is causing a humanitarian crisis with devastating consequences for pregnant women and newborns, highlighting the urgent need for immediate and unimpeded humanitarian access.