Gaza Premature Babies Fight for Survival in Neonatal Crisis

Overwhelmed Health Services

Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital is the only medical facility with a neonatal unit in all of central Gaza, serving thousands of expectant mothers with severely limited resources. Health workers face chronic shortages of incubators, ventilators, medications and basic supplies, compounded by repeated power and fuel cuts that threaten the lives of babies dependent on life-support equipment.

"We were working under enormous pressure, with shortages of incubators, ventilators, medications and basic supplies, in addition to repeated power and fuel shortages, which posed a direct threat to babies inside the incubators," Dr Abu Hasaballah said.

Premature babies require continuous monitoring, oxygen, respiratory support, proper nutrition and treatment. When these resources are unavailable, the risk of serious complications including breathing difficulties, low body temperature, infections and low blood sugar rises sharply. "Unfortunately, we may lose babies who could have survived if they had received basic care," she said.

Emotional and Post-Discharge Struggles

The abrupt separation of mothers from their newborns is one of the hardest experiences, causing immense anxiety. The most common question doctors hear is whether the child will survive. "Instead of holding their baby and celebrating, mothers see them transferred directly to the incubator or intensive care unit," Dr Abu Hasaballah said. "Their fear is doubled because the war has affected everything, from medical equipment and supplies to electricity shortages and overcrowding in hospitals."

Once discharged, families face new hardships. Essential baby care items such as sterilisation kits, baby formula, diapers, blankets and clean water are either absent or unaffordable. "Many families have lost everything because of displacement, leaving mothers without baby clothes, diapers, blankets, formula or clean water," Dr Abu Hasaballah said.

Limited Relief Efforts

In Nuseirat refugee camp, the Qutoof Al-Khair Foundation provides vitamins, nutritional supplements, medicines and essential medical supplies to pregnant women and newborns. Akram Abu Jiab, the foundation's head, said demand for services is growing rapidly while resources remain severely constrained. "The scale of needs far exceeds the available resources. The gap between needs and support continues to grow every day," he said. "Supporting mothers and children at this stage is not a luxury; it is a necessity to protect the lives of the next generation."