The Ministry of Health in Gaza has revealed a shocking 60% increase in fetal abnormalities compared to normal rates, attributing the rise to the ongoing Israeli genocidal war against the Gaza Strip.

Zaher Al-Wuhaidi, Director of the Information Department at the Ministry, said that the number of babies born with deformities, low birth weights, and premature deliveries in 2025 has been alarming. Around 4,900 babies were born underweight, and there were 4,000 premature births.

He added that 315 children were born with congenital deformities, including bladder and heart anomalies. Moreover, 6,600 stillbirths and 5,000 miscarriages (before 24 weeks of gestation) were recorded.

Al-Wuhaidi confirmed that 450 infants died within a week of birth due to a range of illnesses. He stressed that the main causes are the war’s effects—women’s exposure to smoke and dust from bombings, malnutrition, famine, sewage contamination, lack of hygiene, and the harsh living conditions in displacement tents.