Mothers in Gaza Defy Genocide: Giving Life Amid Unrelenting Violence

Mothers in Gaza Give Life to the Next Generation of Palestinians Despite Genocide GAZA CITY, GAZA STRIP - As the two-year-long Israeli genocide continues to ravage the Gaza Strip, killing at least 66,000 Palestinians, mothers like Tasneem Al-Wawi are giving life to the next generation of Palestinians. Despite the unimaginable hardships and trauma they face, these women are determined to bring new life into a world plagued by violence and uncertainty. Tasneem, a 25-year-old writer and poet from Gaza, gave birth to her son Ezz Aldin on December 25, 2023, in the midst of the ongoing conflict. "I labored for hours in the overcrowded hospital with no steady electricity," she recalled. "When I finally gave birth, there was no food to help me recover, and diapers were nearly impossible to find." The first bombs of the genocide fell during Tasneem's final weeks of pregnancy, when she was seven months pregnant with her third child. Her experience is not unique in Gaza, where mothers have been giving birth under siege for years. According to the United Nations, the Israeli blockade has severely restricted access to medical care, food, and other essential supplies in Gaza. The humanitarian crisis has led to widespread poverty, unemployment, and a severe shortage of basic necessities like diapers and formula. Dr. Mona El-Kurd, a Palestinian obstetrician-gynecologist at Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, attributed the high birth rates in Gaza to the resilience of women in the face of unimaginable hardship. "Mothers in Gaza are not just giving life to their children; they're also giving hope to their communities," she said. The Israeli genocide has had a profound impact on the mental and physical health of pregnant women in Gaza. A recent study by the World Health Organization found that 75% of pregnant women in Gaza reported experiencing anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Despite these challenges, mothers like Tasneem are determined to give their children the best possible start in life. "As a mother, I want my child to grow up in a world where they can live without fear of violence and oppression," she said. The current status of the conflict remains uncertain, with both sides engaged in ongoing negotiations. However, one thing is clear: the resilience of mothers like Tasneem will continue to be a beacon of hope for the next generation of Palestinians. Background Context The Israeli genocide in Gaza began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas attacked Israel, killing nearly 1,200 Israelis. In response, Israel launched a massive military campaign against Gaza, which has continued for over two years. The conflict has resulted in the deaths of at least 66,000 Palestinians and the displacement of hundreds of thousands more. Additional Perspectives Dr. El-Kurd emphasized the importance of supporting pregnant women in Gaza during this critical time. "We need to provide them with access to medical care, food, and other essential supplies to ensure they can give birth safely and healthily," she said. Tasneem's experience highlights the need for humanitarian aid and support for mothers in Gaza. "As a mother, I want my child to grow up in a world where they can live without fear of violence and oppression," she said. Current Status and Next Developments The conflict remains ongoing, with both sides engaged in negotiations. The international community continues to call for an end to the violence and a lasting resolution to the crisis. In the meantime, mothers like Tasneem will continue to give life to the next generation of Palestinians, despite the unimaginable hardships they face. Sources: United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) World Health Organization (WHO) Dr. Mona El-Kurd, Palestinian obstetrician-gynecologist at Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City Tasneem Al-Wawi, 25-year-old writer and poet from Gaza *Reporting by Theintercept.*