Kathmandu— The ongoing Israeli siege of Gaza is having devastating consequences for pregnant women, with reports indicating a more than threefold year-on-year increase in miscarriages and stillbirths since October 2025. The surge in pregnancy loss is linked to severe malnutrition, anemia, physical exhaustion from repeated displacement, exposure to toxins, and the destruction of Gaza’s healthcare system, as Israel continues military operations despite a supposed ceasefire. As of August 19, 2026, the Gaza Health Ministry reported 1,273 Palestinians killed and 4,223 wounded since October 11, 2025, highlighting the continued violence and deteriorating humanitarian conditions.

Rising Rates of Pregnancy Loss

Palestinian medic Ahmad Abu Foul, who previously worked in Gaza, reported a sudden increase in miscarriages among women living in displacement camps. Obstetrician Dr. Mohammed Al-Bashiti at Nasser Medical Complex attributed the rise to severe malnutrition, anemia, and physical strain caused by repeated displacement and carrying heavy loads. Exposure to toxic chemicals from explosives is also believed to be a contributing factor; Abu Foul shared that his sister recently suffered a miscarriage at four months pregnant, while his niece experienced a stillbirth at eight months.

UN and Haaretz Reports Confirm the Trend

A UN report cited by the Israeli newspaper *Haaretz* revealed 3,950 miscarriages were reported from January to June 2026 – over triple the 1,197 recorded between July and December 2025. The miscarriage rate now accounts for one-sixth of all pregnancies in Gaza. Dr. Ahmed al-Farra, head of pediatrics at Nasser Hospital, also linked the increase to malnutrition, stress, and critical water shortages, noting that access to potable water has been reduced to just three liters per person daily, with ninety percent being unfit for consumption.

Aid Restrictions Exacerbate Crisis

Despite stipulations in the ceasefire agreement, Israel continues to restrict the entry of sufficient food, water, and medical supplies into Gaza. Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor reported on August 9, 2026, that Israel enforces policies disrupting the entire aid supply chain, from entry at crossings to distribution among the population. Delays in shipping also lead to spoilage of essential goods before they reach those in need. The organization emphasized that as an occupying power, Israel is obligated under international law to ensure adequate food and medical supplies for Gaza’s population when local resources are insufficient.

Expanding Israeli Control and Displacement

Israel has been expanding its control over Gaza through a largely invisible ‘Yellow Line,’ demarcating territory within the framework of a 2025 peace plan. Palestinians report being fired upon by Israeli forces even outside this line, reminiscent of previous buffer zones used for land grabs. The expansion of the Yellow Line – now covering approximately 65% of Gaza as of June – and the forced relocation of residents further contribute to instability and hardship.

Ongoing Violence and Uncounted Deaths

On August 19, Israel killed ten Palestinians in central Gaza, and on August 18, an Israeli strike near Gaza City killed six, including a child, and wounded ten more. The official Palestinian death toll since October 2023 stands at 73,407, but many believe the actual number is far higher—potentially exceeding 200,000 according to estimates cited in July 2024. Israel is also reportedly removing rubble from Gaza before thorough investigations can be conducted, potentially destroying crucial evidence of casualties and war crimes.

The dramatic rise in miscarriages and stillbirths underscores the devastating humanitarian consequences of the ongoing conflict and siege of Gaza, with experts suggesting these losses are not accidental but a calculated result of Israeli policies.

(With inputs from RT)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.