A ray of hope in the clouds of despair: A Gaza mother’s struggle in dire circumstances

*Names have been changed to protect identities. Nadia, a 28-year-old resident of the Gaza Strip, told the UN agency, “My pregnancy was very difficult during the war. I was very afraid for the safety of my child. “Nadia, a resident of northern Gaza, is currently living in the southern city of Khan Yunis due to displacement. As the war intensified in January 2024, Nadia, a mother of four, learned that she was pregnant again. “I was afraid that something would happen to her because of the stress and the frequent displacement from one place to another.” Nadia’s husband, Rami*, also from Gaza, had been working as a laborer in Israel before the war. Were. But Israeli military forces, in November 2023, detained him for 18 days along with many other Gaza workers. This incident shook Nadia’s world. She had difficulty accessing essential health services due to repeated displacement. Although he tried to visit clinics run by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency, UNRWA, regularly for checkups, the journey often entailed great danger. Additionally, transportation costs have increased tenfold since the beginning of the war due to skyrocketing prices in Gaza, which Nadia could not afford. This state of emergency amid the crisis, war and instability had a deep impact on Nadia. And her labor pain started a month before time. He said, “I think this happened because of fear and fatigue, because we had to keep walking to find a safe place.” “It took me about an hour and a half to get from my tent to the hospital while I was in labor. I couldn’t take a taxi because I had no money.” Nadia delivered her baby at the UNFPA-supported Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis in August. Gave birth. But soon their newborn baby started having difficulty breathing and had to be kept in an incubator. The situation was becoming more serious due to the shortage of electricity and frequent cuts. ‘Support and a way to survive’ Nadia’s plight highlights the immense difficulties faced by mothers and pregnant women in Gaza. At the same time, it highlights the health services burdened by demand and the lack of resources. War, displacement, starvation, and limited access to health services have led to a rise in cases of preterm labor and abortion. UNFPA is providing vital relief assistance to vulnerable women in Gaza and the West Bank. These also include cash assistance so that they can meet their basic needs and access essential services, especially health services. This is especially important for the more than 4,000 pregnant women who are going to give birth in the coming few months. It is also important for victims of gender-based violence who lack options for support. Before receiving cash assistance, Nadia had to travel an hour and a half to the hospital to meet her son. When she could save a little money, she would save the fare to travel by taxi or donkey cart. At present the fare was about 10 dollars, which before the war was only one dollar. It was almost impossible to sleep in the hospital because it was already full of patients and people seeking safety. “With the UNFPA voucher, I am now able to pay for taxi fares, buy diapers and other basic needs,” she said. I can do it.” ‘Ray of hope’ More than half of Gaza’s hospitals have been closed. When access is achieved and resources are available, UNFPA provides medical supplies, dignity and hygiene kits, medicines and equipment to 12 operational hospitals. Starting in January 2024, UNFPA’s cash assistance program has provided relief to Israeli-occupied Aid has been provided to more than 12 thousand women in the Palestinian territories, with priority given to victims of gender-based violence, pregnant and lactating women. Through a partnership with the World Food Program (WFP), the funds are being distributed through traditional methods and mobile payment methods. “I was desperate and this help has been a lifesaver,” says Nadia. “Now I can see my son. I can hug him and spend time with him. I hope that when this painful situation is over, I will be able to go out of Gaza and get proper treatment for my son.”

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