Amid the devastation of the war in Gaza, the entire population has been displaced multiple times, trapped in a horrifying reality, deprived of the basic necessities to survive.

Widespread starvation, malnutrition and disease are driving a rise in hunger-related deaths, with catastrophic consequences for pregnant women and newborns. New mothers are often too malnourished to breastfeed, and both safe water and milk formula are scarce. Gaza is on the brink of famine. 

Severe overcrowding in inadequate shelters with a profound lack of privacy, coupled with the escalating food insecurity, continue to heighten the risk of gender-based violence for women and girls. This crisis is exacerbated by significantly disrupted protection services.

With relentless attacks on healthcare since the war began in October 2023, only around half of Gaza’s hospitals are even partially functioning, depriving women and girls of access to critical care as well as the essentials  to survive – food, water, shelter and protection from violence. 

In the West Bank, curfews as well as long-standing and stepped-up movement restrictions have impacted people’s livelihoods and prevented them from reaching schools, workplaces and health facilities – including the 73,000 pregnant women who reside there. 

UNFPA and partners are committed to sustaining life-saving reproductive health services and working to prevent gender-based violence across both Gaza and the West Bank. Essential medicines and supplies, including those to support safe births, have been delivered to health facilities across Gaza, but many supplies have yet to enter. Safe spaces for women and girls, where operational, provide services to prevent and respond to gender-based violence. In the West Bank, UNFPA-supported mobile clinics are providing medical, reproductive health and protection services to displaced and remote populations. 

Updated 4 August 2025