DayofPal — The Gaza Strip is witnessing a dramatic decline in population growth amid worsening humanitarian conditions.
Severe malnutrition, repeated displacement, and ongoing military attacks are taking a devastating toll on pregnant women and newborns, according to recent statements by Gaza’s Director General of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Munir Al-Bursh.
Al-Bursh said that anemia has become a widespread indicator of the deteriorating health conditions in the besieged enclave.
Around 57% of pregnant women in Gaza are suffering from anemia, nearly double the global average, reflecting widespread nutritional deficiencies and the collapse of maternal healthcare.
Health authorities also expect a 70% increase in miscarriages during 2026. In April 2026 alone, 921 miscarriages were recorded, while a monitoring committee documented 385 cases of congenital birth defects between January 2025 and April 2026.
Health officials further warned that the number of miscarriages could exceed 500 cases per 1,000 live births during June if current conditions persist.
At the same time, Gaza has experienced a dramatic fall in births. The number of newborns dropped by 67%, falling from 6,076 births in November 2025 to just 2,004 births in April 2026.
According to Al-Bursh, the main factors driving the increase in miscarriages include severe malnutrition and vitamin deficiencies, harsh living conditions in overcrowded displacement tents, direct injuries and exposure to bombardment
In addition, inhalation of missile smoke, and the profound psychological trauma caused by the loss of family members, constant fear, and prolonged stress, also worsen the crisis.
Health officials warn that unless humanitarian conditions improve and essential medical and nutritional support is urgently provided, Gaza’s maternal and infant health crisis is expected to worsen, with long-term consequences for the territory’s future population.
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