What You Need to Know
• Noor Salem, 30, is at Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir el-Balah, where her baby Yazan Al-Khalidi is in critical condition.
• Yazan was born prematurely at eight months and is experiencing severe breathing difficulties.
• UNICEF reports a rise in premature births and neonatal complications in Gaza since October 7, 2023.
Noor Salem, a 30-year-old mother, is at Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir el-Balah, Gaza, where her newborn son, Yazan Al-Khalidi, is being treated for severe breathing issues after being born eight months into her pregnancy. Yazan’s birth was marked by complications, requiring immediate transfer to the neonatal intensive care unit. This is Noor’s second child; she lost her first baby shortly after birth during the famine in Gaza in 2025. The ongoing conflict has led to significant shortages of essential supplies, causing Noor to experience constant anxiety throughout her pregnancy. UNICEF has highlighted a crisis in Gaza, reporting that one in five newborns now requires intensive neonatal care due to rising rates of premature births, underweight infants, and other complications since the conflict escalated on October 7, 2023.
Why It Matters
The situation in Gaza has deteriorated significantly since the onset of conflict, impacting maternal and infant health. The rise in premature births and neonatal complications is attributed to factors such as maternal malnutrition, psychological stress, and inadequate prenatal care services. Health professionals, including Dr. Afnan Abu Hasaballah, have noted the severe effects of repeated displacements and deprivation of essential goods on pregnant women and their newborns. The crisis underscores the urgent need for humanitarian assistance and improved healthcare services in the region.
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