The report titled “Five Babies in One Incubator” Violations of Pregnant Women’s Rights Amid Israel’s Assault on Gaza, written by Wille Belkis, examines the severe challenges faced by pregnant women and girls in the Gaza Strip during the recent hostilities. It highlights how Israeli forces’ unlawful blockade, stringent restrictions on humanitarian aid, and attacks on medical facilities and healthcare personnel have directly harmed women and girls during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period.
The report underscores the critical shortages of medical supplies and the dire conditions in healthcare facilities, leading to situations where multiple newborns are forced to share a single incubator, significantly increasing the risk of infections and complications. It also details the lack of access to adequate nutrition, clean water, and sanitation, which has serious health consequences for pregnant women and their babies. Additionally, the mental health strain on expectant mothers due to the ongoing conflict is highlighted.
The report asserts that Israel, as the occupying power in Gaza, has violated the rights of pregnant women and girls by denying them access to adequate care during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period, as well as essential newborn care. The report urgently calls for measures to safeguard the health and well-being of pregnant women and their infants in Gaza.
Additionally, the report found that, since October 2023, Israeli authorities have severely restricted Palestinians’ access to essential water supplies by cutting and limiting water and fuel, shutting off electricity, and deliberately damaging water and sanitation infrastructure, as well as obstructing repairs. These actions have deprived Gaza’s population of the minimum water needed for survival.
Find the full report below: