UN: Forced displacement in Gaza threatens lives of pregnant women

Displaced Palestinians, taking shelter in hospitals and schools, walk amid destruction as a result of Israeli attacks to check on their homes and collect their items remain intact as the 4-day humanitarian pause begins for prisoner exchange and aid in Khan Yunis, Gaza on November 24, 2023 [Ashraf Amra – Anadolu Agency]

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Arab States Regional Office yesterday warned that forced displacement in the Gaza Strip threatens the lives of pregnant women, leaving them “stranded, unable to access life-saving maternal services.”

The UNFPA emphasised the need for pregnant women to receive healthcare services to ensure their safety and that of their children.

“Access to healthcare is their lifeline! Pregnant women must have access to the healthcare services to survive,” the UN agency added in its X post.

Forced displacement in #Gaza leaves pregnant women stranded, unable to access life-saving maternal services.Access to healthcare is their lifeline!Pregnant women must have access to the healthcare services to survive. pic.twitter.com/e7FXxdG72K

— UNFPA Arab States (@UNFPA_ASRO) November 26, 2023

After 48 days of war, a temporary humanitarian ceasefire between Israel and Palestinian factions came into effect at 7am local time on Friday and is due to continue until Tuesday morning.

The temporary ceasefire agreement includes the release of 50 Israeli prisoners of war being held in Gaza in exchange for the release of 150 Palestinians from Israeli prisons, and the entry of hundreds of trucks loaded with aid into all areas of the Gaza Strip, which is home to around 2.3 million Palestinians.

Read: Skin diseases and head lice spread as conditions worsen in Gaza

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