Gaza death toll swells as pregnant women face dire situations
TOPSHOT - Palestinians evacuate the area following an Israeli airstrike on the Sousi mosque in Gaza City on October 9, 2023. Israel continued to battle Hamas fighters on October 9 and massed tens of thousands of troops and heavy armour around the Gaza Strip after vowing a massive blow over the Palestinian militants' surprise attack. (Photo by Mahmud HAMS / AFP) (Photo by MAHMUD HAMS/AFP via Getty Images)
The conflict in Gaza continues to escalate, with devastating consequences for the Palestinian people. As of the latest reports, the death toll has risen to 43,314, with a staggering 102,019 others injured since October 7 last year, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.
The alarming number reflects the intense violence and humanitarian crisis unfolding in the region.
In just the past 24 hours, Israeli forces have claimed the lives of at least 55 Palestinians and injured 192 more, the ministry also reported.
The Gaza Health Ministry’s updates provide a glimpse into the scale of human suffering caused by the conflict.
Efforts to track the conflict’s impact, such as those by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, highlight the complexity of the issue and the importance of accurate information in shaping responses to the crisis.
Meanwhile, more pregnant women are reportedly trapped in Gaza, facing a dual crisis of health and survival, amidst a crippled healthcare system
“Since the start of the assault, I’ve experienced constant pain and anxiety, feeling real danger for my life and my baby’s,” Yasmin Al-Masri, a displaced young mother in Beit Lahiya told the Anadolu Agency.
Amani Fad’ous, also from Beit Lahiya, echoes Yasmin’s fears.
“My baby is special to us, coming after 10 long years of waiting,” she told the agency.
She worries about her future baby’s health, saying: “I used to eat fresh vegetables, fruits, and proteins, but now I rely on canned goods and legumes, which are far from nutritious.”
According to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), about 4,000 pregnant women remained trapped in northern Gaza.
