In the war-torn region of Gaza, the horrors of ongoing conflict are taking a significant toll on pregnant women and newborns. Amid extreme shortages of food, water, and medical supplies due to an Israeli blockade, reports indicate that one in ten newborns is underweight or premature. Women like Malak Brees fear for their children's health, as many experience complications from malnutrition and limited medical care.

With hospitals overwhelmed and basic care hard to come by, childbirth has become perilous. Women often deliver in makeshift shelters without professional assistance. Some are sent home just hours after giving birth, even when their infants have serious health concerns. Tragically, many mothers struggle to nourish their babies, as supplies of infant formula are scarce. Aya al-Skafi’s four-month-old daughter, Jenan, tragically died from malnutrition, a fate echoed in numerous heartbreaking stories across the region.

In this climate of fear and uncertainty, many women lack the essential psychological and community support usually experienced during pregnancy, adding to the despair. Efforts from organizations like the Gaza Infant Nutrition Alliance aim to provide crucial breastfeeding support, but the challenges continue to mount. As the conflict drags on, the glimmers of hope that come with new life are overshadowed by the ongoing struggle for survival in a deeply affected Gaza.