UNFPA condemns the violence in Israel and Gaza and echoes the UN Secretary-General’s call for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, for the immediate and unconditional release of hostages by Hamas, and for the delivery of sustained humanitarian relief at scale that meets the needs of the people of Gaza.

Millions of people’s lives are being torn apart by the crisis in Gaza — with women and newborns bearing the brunt of the conflict. Parents do not know whether they will be able to feed their children today or whether they will even survive to tomorrow.

More than 9,700 people have been killed — close to 70% are women and children. On average, a child is killed and two are injured every ten minutes.

Amidst ongoing conflict, UNFPA remains focused on getting lifesaving reproductive health supplies into Gaza. Last Friday, two truckloads of Reproductive Health Kits arrived in Gaza — Kits that were delivered thanks to your emergency gifts.

As needs grow and our stockpiles of medicine, health supplies, and kits begin to dwindle, refugees are counting on your support today to deliver care to those who need it most.

So we’re asking on their behalf: Will you rush an emergency gift to deliver more humanitarian aid to crisis-stricken regions like Gaza?

With 14 hospitals and 45 primary health care centers closed, some women are having to give birth in shelters, in their homes, in the streets amid rubble, or in overwhelmed healthcare facilities — where sanitation is worsening and the risk of infection and medical complications is on the rise.

There are an estimated 50,000 pregnant women in Gaza, with more than 180 giving birth every day. But these women are unable to access the emergency obstetric services they need to give birth safely and care for their newborns.

The lives of newborns also hang by a thread. If hospitals run out of fuel, the lives of an estimated 130 premature babies who rely on neonatal and intensive care services will be threatened, as incubators and other medical equipment will no longer function.

Despite the lack of sustained and safe access, agencies like UNFPA have dispatched lifesaving medicines and equipment to Gaza, including supplies for newborns and reproductive health care.

UNFPA has distributed 77 Safe Delivery Bags to ensure that ambulances have necessary supplies and equipment to perform safe deliveries when women can’t reach health facilities.

The truckloads that entered Gaza last Friday contained individual clean delivery kits, pharmaceuticals, consumable medical devices, and equipment for basic and comprehensive emergency obstetric care, including anesthesia and supplies for C-sections. Even more supplies are expected to arrive in Egypt today to be sent into Gaza.

Your emergency gifts are making a material impact as giving birth becomes more dangerous for both mothers and newborns. Will you make an impact on the lives of pregnant women living through warfare by making an emergency gift today?

Thank you for being there for women and girls.

— USA for UNFPA