Israel-Hamas war caused premature increase, says NGO – 11/24/2023 – Balance and Health

The number of premature births has risen by almost a third in the Gaza Strip over the past month as mothers suffer increasing stress and trauma in the Israeli-besieged enclave, non-governmental organization Oxfam said on Thursday.

Dozens of premature babies made headlines this week when they were rescued from a hospital in northern Gaza and transferred to Egypt after it was bombed.

The northern part of the densely populated enclave has borne the brunt of Israel’s six-week military campaign against the Hamas movement, in power in Gaza, and none of its hospitals are operating normally.

Juzoor, an Oxfam partner organization that supports hundreds of pregnant women in Gaza, said the number of premature births has increased by between 25% and 30% in the last month, attributing the increase to the difficulties faced by mothers fleeing their homes due to bombing. , stress and trauma.

Premature babies are more susceptible to illnesses. Juzoor said at least one newborn died in each of its 13 shelters for displaced people in northern Gaza over the past month.

Even before the current conflict, Gaza had a high infant mortality rate, with newborn deaths accounting for 68% of the total, according to the World Health Organization.

Sally Abi Khalil, Oxfam’s Regional Director for the Middle East, said some displaced mothers had to give birth in crowded classrooms without medical support or basic hygiene.

“I don’t think there is anyone anywhere in the world who disagrees that this is simply inhumane,” he said.