The escalation in the Gaza Strip is evolving rapidly, with more than half of the population forced to flee their homes, seeking refuge in UN shelters, schools, hospitals or with relatives.

UNFPA is critically concerned for women and girls in Gaza, including the estimated 50,000 pregnant women – of whom 5,522 are expected to deliver in the next month; these women are cut off from safe delivery services as hospitals come under attack and the health system unravels, with life-saving medicines, fuel and electricity running out.

In the West Bank, around 73,000 women are currently pregnant, with more than 8,120 expected to give birth in the next month as the violence threatens to spill over.

Along with partners, UNFPA is working to help provide critical life-saving services, including addressing the availability of out-of-stock reproductive-health supplies for pregnant women and new mothers. UNFPA’ s network of midwives will be activated to offer support while maintaining connections with hospital-level specialists. UNFPA is also supporting hot lines to provide information and counselling services to women and youth.