International Desk

With 5,500 pregnant women in Gaza facing imminent childbirth, Laila Baker, UNFPA's Regional Director for the Arab States, urgently calls for a ceasefire and increased aid.

The plea aims to safeguard the lives of mothers and newborns in the besieged enclave.

In an interview with UN News Tuesday, she emphasized the "loss of complete humanity" in Gaza and voiced deep concerns about the deteriorating conditions, particularly for expectant mothers in the besieged region.

Laila Baker, speaking from Cairo, emphasizes the "loss of complete humanity" in Gaza, expressing fear for the lives of 5,500 women expected to give birth in the coming weeks.

With over 135 health facilities targeted and limited resources, the situation poses a grave threat to both mothers and their newborns, she said.

Highlighting the challenges faced by pregnant women, Baker described the harrowing conditions they endure, fleeing bombardment without access to essential medical care.

She urged the international community to intervene and halt the blatant breaches of human rights and international humanitarian law.

"Put yourself in the shoes of that woman when the surgeon says to her, ‘I have no anaesthesia, I don't even have water or soap to wash my hands, but I'm going to try and save your life,’" baker said.

She emphasizes the need to halt blatant breaches of human rights and international humanitarian law.

In the midst of the month-long conflict between Israel and Hamas, UN agencies, including the UNFPA, have issued a joint statement calling for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire to allow critical aid into Gaza.

Baker underscores the importance of this appeal, stating that a ceasefire is essential for delivering unhindered assistance and ensuring the protection of humanitarian staff.

Despite UNFPA has been working tirelessly to provide emergency health and safe delivery kits, Baker said that current efforts are insufficient, and the dire situation demands a stronger international response.

UNFPA faces enormous challenges in reaching all areas, particularly in northern Gaza, according to Baker.

She acknowledged the impossibility of providing for the 5,500 women in need and underscores the urgent need for the protection of civilian infrastructure to ensure the safety and well-being of the Palestinian people in Gaza.

Baker urged the international community to unite and put an end to the crisis, emphasizing the need to protect the dignity and lives of those affected by the conflict in Gaza.