The humanitarian crisis in the occupied Palestinian territories remains dire, despite a temporary ceasefire that began on 19 January 2025. Gaza has witnessed mass destruction, with satellite data indicating that 60 per cent of buildings, including 92 per cent of homes and 88 per cent of schools, have been damaged or destroyed. An estimated 1.9 million people — 90 per cent of Gaza’s population — remain internally displaced, facing severe shortages of food, water, shelter, and healthcare.

In Gaza, the security risks, mobility restrictions, and transportation shortages pose significant challenges for pregnant women in accessing safe and timely healthcare services. Many struggle to reach medical facilities for childbirth, which is further compounded by the seasonal risks of winter and floods. To address these challenges, UNFPA has provided Clean Delivery Kits (CDKs), a vital resource to help prevent infections and ensure hygienic births when access to healthcare facilities is not possible.

The postpartum period is a critical time for mothers and newborns, who require essential hygiene and personal items, such as menstrual pads, clothes, and diapers, to ensure their well-being and health. Although these items are simple, they can significantly enhance well-being. Conversely, lacking these essentials can increase the risk of infections for mothers and newborns.

The reported MMR figure in Palestine in 2019 was below the SDG target at 19.9 per 100,000 live births. The overall MMR in both the WB and Gaza has improved, decreasing by around 48% from 38 per 100,000 live births in 2009 to around 19.9 in 2019. But in 2020 and 2021 there was a noticeable increase in MMR to 28.5 and 47.7 per 100,000  live births, respectively. This reflects the negative impact of the corona pandemic on the number of maternal deaths.