Gaza: Press Conference by UNFPA Palestine Representative | United Nations

Summary

In a poignant briefing, Nester Aangi, representative of the UN Population Fund in Palestine, shares harrowing insights from his recent visit to Gaza. Highlighting the devastating impact of ongoing conflict, he reports on the dire conditions faced by women and girls, including severe shortages of medical supplies and rampant malnutrition among pregnant women. With a staggering number of casualties and displacement, the healthcare system is on the brink of collapse. Despite the overwhelming despair, Aangi emphasizes the resilience of healthcare workers and the urgent need for sustained humanitarian aid and peace efforts to alleviate the suffering in Gaza.

Takeaways

• 🆘 Takeaway 1: The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is catastrophic, affecting over 2.1 million residents who are largely displaced and suffering.
• 🏥 Takeaway 2: Only 16 out of 36 hospitals in Gaza are partially operational, leading to a collapse of the healthcare system.
• 👶 Takeaway 3: Approximately 49,000 pregnant women are currently in Gaza, facing increased risks of miscarriage and childbirth complications.
• 📉 Takeaway 4: The odds of pregnant women experiencing miscarriages or dying during childbirth have tripled due to the deteriorating conditions.
• 🍽️ Takeaway 5: Over 17,000 pregnant women are on the verge of famine, exacerbating the healthcare crisis in the region.
• 💔 Takeaway 6: Many women in Gaza lack access to essential sanitary products, with close to 700,000 menstruating individuals facing significant challenges.
• 🚑 Takeaway 7: UNFPA's mobile maternity units have supported approximately 45,000 safe births in the last year amidst the conflict.
• ⚠️ Takeaway 8: Humanitarian workers are in grave danger, with over 300 killed, marking the highest casualties among UN personnel in history.
• 🚷 Takeaway 9: The Israeli authorities have frequently denied humanitarian access and blocked essential medical supplies, worsening the crisis.
• 🕊️ Takeaway 10: Aangi calls for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and a path towards peace to alleviate the suffering of women and children.

Q & A

What was the main focus of Nester Omahangi's briefing?

Nester Omahangi's briefing focused on the dire humanitarian situation of women and girls in Gaza amidst ongoing conflict, highlighting the challenges they face, particularly regarding healthcare and reproductive rights.

How many pregnant women are currently in Gaza, and what challenges are they facing?

There are currently 49,000 pregnant women in Gaza, with about 4,000 due to give birth soon. They face significant challenges such as a lack of access to adequate prenatal and postnatal care, increased risks of miscarriage, and a scarcity of essential supplies like sanitary products and milk formula.

What did Nester Omahangi observe during his visit to hospitals in Gaza?

During his visit, Omahangi observed critical conditions in hospitals, including overcrowded facilities, a shortage of medical supplies, and increasing rates of miscarriages and birth defects among newborns.

What impact has the ongoing war had on the population of Gaza?

The ongoing war has plunged Gaza's 2.1 million residents into catastrophe, with widespread displacement, homelessness, and significant loss of life, affecting about 5% of the population.

What are the consequences of the lack of security and humanitarian access in Gaza?

The lack of security and humanitarian access has led to blocked or denied humanitarian movements, significantly impeding the delivery of medical supplies and essential goods, worsening the humanitarian crisis.

What were some of the specific needs expressed by health workers in Gaza?

Health workers in Gaza expressed urgent needs for anesthetics, antibiotics, and laboratory reagents, indicating a severe shortage of all essential medical supplies.

How does the situation of women in Gaza compare to previous humanitarian crises Omahangi has witnessed?

Omahangi noted that the scale of devastation in Gaza is unparalleled, describing the overwhelming destruction and despair compared to his previous humanitarian work in crises like Uganda, the Philippines, and Yemen.

What steps did Omahangi suggest for improving the situation in Gaza?

Omahangi suggested three urgent changes: ensuring a sustained flow of humanitarian and commercial goods into Gaza, providing protection for aid and health workers, and establishing a ceasefire alongside a path towards peace.

What was revealed about the incidence of gender-based violence in Gaza?

While specific numbers were difficult to ascertain, Omahangi reported anecdotal evidence of increased incidents of gender-based violence, with healthcare providers acknowledging an uptick in cases due to the conflict.

What was the condition of maternity care during Omahangi's visit?

Despite the challenges, Omahangi highlighted that UNFPA supported mobile maternity units had been operational, with thousands of women receiving assistance, including 45,000 safe births supported in the past year.