The Director of the Gaza Ministry of Health, Dr. Munir Al-Barsh, reported that the Gaza Strip witnessed the birth of around 50,000 children during 2025, a decline of 11% compared to pre-war rates, due to the severe deterioration of health and living conditions caused by the Israeli war of genocide.

Al-Barsh explained that the health sector in Gaza documented 4,900 low-birth-weight deliveries during the same year, an increase of more than 60% compared to the period before the war. He added that 4,100 cases of premature births were recorded in 2025, as a result of mothers being subjected to extreme psychological and physical stress and deprived of basic healthcare.

He also noted that 616 cases of fetal deaths in the womb were recorded during 2025—double the pre-war rate—reflecting the direct impact of the aggression on unborn babies.

Al-Barsh further pointed out that 457 cases of newborn deaths immediately after birth were documented, representing an increase of 50%, amid the near-total collapse of medical services.

In a related context, Al-Barsh stated that 60% of Palestinians killed by Israel after the ceasefire, which came into effect in October, were children and women.