Mothers in Gaza Defy War and Violence, Bringing New Life to a Resilient People

Mothers in Gaza Give Life to the Next Generation of Palestinians Despite Genocide GAZA CITY, GAZA STRIP - Amidst the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, mothers in Gaza have continued to give birth to new generations of Palestinians, defying the odds of war and violence. For 19-year-old Tasneem Al-Wawi, giving birth to her son Ezz Aldin on December 25, 2023, was a testament to the resilience of Palestinian women. Tasneem's experience is not unique. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), at least 66,000 Palestinians have been killed in the two-year-long conflict, including over 12,000 children. The humanitarian crisis has left many pregnant women without access to basic medical care, let alone food and shelter. "We were lucky to get Ezz Aldin out of the womb," Tasneem said in an interview with Voices magazine. "The hospital was overcrowded, and there was no electricity. I labored for hours, and when he was born, there was no food or diapers available." Tasneem's story highlights the challenges faced by pregnant women in Gaza, where medical facilities are often overwhelmed and resources are scarce. According to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), over 80% of Gazans rely on humanitarian aid to survive. The conflict has also taken a toll on the mental health of Palestinian mothers. "I was scared for my child's life," Tasneem said, her voice trembling. "But I knew I had to give birth to him, no matter what." Dr. Maha Abu Dayyeh, a pediatrician at Gaza City Hospital, echoed Tasneem's sentiments. "Mothers in Gaza are the backbone of our society," she said. "They continue to give life despite the unimaginable hardships they face every day." The conflict has also raised questions about the long-term effects on the next generation of Palestinians. According to a study by the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research, over 70% of Gazans believe that their children will not be able to live in peace. As the conflict continues, international aid organizations are working to provide essential services to pregnant women and new mothers in Gaza. "We are doing everything we can to support these women," said a spokesperson for UNRWA. "But more needs to be done to address the root causes of this crisis." The situation on the ground remains dire, with many families forced to flee their homes due to ongoing violence. As one mother put it, "We just want to live in peace and raise our children without fear of war." Background: The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has been ongoing for decades, with periodic outbreaks of violence resulting in significant loss of life and property damage. The current conflict began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel, killing over 1,200 Israelis. Implications: The humanitarian crisis in Gaza raises concerns about the long-term effects on the mental health and well-being of Palestinian mothers and their children. The conflict also highlights the need for sustainable solutions to address the root causes of this crisis, including poverty, unemployment, and lack of access to basic services. Current Status: The situation on the ground remains volatile, with ongoing violence and displacement affecting thousands of Palestinians. International aid organizations continue to provide essential services to pregnant women and new mothers in Gaza. Next Developments: As the conflict continues, international efforts are underway to broker a lasting peace agreement between Israel and Palestine. The United Nations has called for an immediate ceasefire and the resumption of humanitarian aid to affected areas. This article is part of Voices magazine's ongoing coverage of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and its impact on Palestinian mothers and their children. *Reporting by Theintercept.*