Maternal and neonatal illnesses, malnutrition... Amnesty International says that women in Gaza are "on the brink of disaster"

Amnesty International reveals in an alarming report the consequences of the war waged by Israel in Gaza on Palestinian women. Collapse of the healthcare system, an "exponential" rise in maternal and neonatal illnesses, acute malnutrition... The NGO denounces a "deliberate act of war." The devastating consequences of Israel's war in Gaza have pushed women and girls "to the brink," Amnesty International warned on Tuesday, denouncing an unprecedented collapse of the Palestinian healthcare system. In a report published after 29 months of conflict, the human rights organization emphasizes that Palestinian women are suffering "aggravated and potentially fatal" harm. This suffering is exacerbated by mass displacement, food shortages, and Israeli restrictions on humanitarian aid. The NGO's Secretary General, Agnès Callamard denounced a "systematic erosion" of their rights. She denounced a "deliberate act of war targeting women and girls," which, according to the organization, is a continuation of the "genocide" perpetrated in the Palestinian enclave.

Exponential Rise in Maternal and Neonatal Illnesses

This alarming finding is based on interviews conducted in February with 41 displaced women, several of whom were pregnant or suffering from cancer, and 26 healthcare professionals.

On the ground, these professionals describe an "exponential" rise in maternal and neonatal illnesses, in the face of depleted medical infrastructure: nearly 60% of health facilities are out of service, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

In the Gaza Strip, neonatal units are operating at up to 170% of their capacity, sometimes forcing caregivers to place three newborns per patient. incubator.

Meanwhile, 46% of essential medicines remain out of stock. This shortage forces the reuse of single-use equipment or the use of expired anesthetics.

Furthermore, 37,000 pregnant and breastfeeding women will suffer from acute malnutrition by mid-October 2026, according to the United Nations.

Young mothers have recounted experiencing their pregnancies and convalescence in overcrowded tents, exposed to cold and pollution. Hind, 22, explained that she weighed only 43 kilos at delivery, giving birth to a premature baby suffering from a double lung infection. Evacuation process "completely halted" Patients with chronic illnesses are also being hit hard. More than 18,500 patients currently require urgent medical evacuation. “No hospital in Gaza currently offers radiotherapy,” a nurse testified. The evacuation process has been “completely halted” since the closure of crossing points, particularly Rafah, following the joint US-Israeli offensive against Iran in late February. The delivery of medical care is further hampered by the threat of suspension hanging over 37 humanitarian aid organizations, including Doctors Without Borders, whose accreditation has not been renewed. Although a “ceasefire” agreement was reached in October 2025, military operations continue. The Gaza Ministry of Health has recorded 630 additional deaths, including 202 children and 89 women, between this agreement and the end of February 2026. This toll “is in addition to the more than 72,000 people killed since October 7, 2023.” class="widget-poool-engage-inread">