UN Agency Warns Of Critical Hunger Crisis Among Mothers, Newborns In Gaza

ANKARA, July 9 (Bernama-Anadolu) -- The UN Population Fund (UNFPA) warned on Tuesday that tens of thousands of pregnant and breastfeeding women in Gaza are facing severe hunger, with devastating consequences for newborns, Anadolu Ajansi (AA) reported.

UNFPA's Arab States Regional Office said on X that 50,000 pregnant and breastfeeding women “haven’t eaten for days.”

“Babies are born too soon, too small,” the agency wrote, noting that malnutrition among mothers is preventing them from breastfeeding, while baby formula is no longer available.

“Newborns are at risk of death or lifelong health issues,” UNFPA added.

The agency described the situation as preventable and called for immediate humanitarian access. “#OpenUpGaza Let aid in,” the statement concluded.

According to UN agencies, humanitarian access to Gaza remains restricted, worsening the crisis for vulnerable populations, including women and children.

UNFPA and other international organisations continue to urge all relevant parties to facilitate the delivery of life-saving assistance to the population.

-- BERNAMA-ANADOLU