Gaza mothers seek breastfeeding support amid hunger and siege

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Published: 2026-10-05T12:40:33.248Z • Permanent link

Gaza mothers are facing unprecedented challenges in accessing breastfeeding support due to the ongoing hunger crisis and siege. According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), Gaza's humanitarian situation has deteriorated significantly since the beginning of 2023, with over 70% of the population relying on international assistance. The humanitarian organization UNICEF reports that breastfeeding support is particularly critical for mothers in Gaza, as it provides essential nutrients for infants and young children.

In recent months, the Gaza Health Ministry has reported a surge in infant malnutrition, with over 30% of children under the age of five suffering from stunted growth. The ministry attributes this crisis to the lack of access to breastfeeding support and other essential healthcare services. The World Health Organization (WHO) has emphasized the importance of breastfeeding for infant health, citing that exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life can reduce infant mortality by up to 20%. However, many Gaza mothers lack access to safe and clean breastfeeding facilities, making it difficult for them to practice safe breastfeeding.

The crisis in Gaza has also had a significant impact on the livelihoods of mothers, who are often forced to work multiple jobs to make ends meet. According to a report by the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights, over 80% of Palestinian mothers in Gaza work outside the home, making it difficult for them to balance work and childcare responsibilities. The report highlights the need for breastfeeding support to be integrated into these mothers' work schedules, allowing them to balance their responsibilities while providing the best possible care for their children.

The crisis in Gaza highlights the critical need for integrated breastfeeding support programs that address the complex needs of mothers and infants in conflict-affected areas. The World Health Assembly has recognized the importance of breastfeeding in reducing infant mortality and has called for increased investment in breastfeeding support programs worldwide. However, the lack of access to breastfeeding support in Gaza highlights the need for targeted interventions that address the specific needs of mothers in conflict-affected areas.

Research communities and healthcare professionals have long recognized the importance of breastfeeding in reducing infant mortality. A study published in the Journal of Human Lactation found that breastfeeding mothers in Gaza had lower rates of infant mortality compared to mothers who did not breastfeed. However, the study highlighted the need for more research on the specific needs of mothers in conflict-affected areas and the effectiveness of breastfeeding support programs in these contexts. The report also emphasizes the need for increased investment in breastfeeding support programs, particularly in areas with limited access to healthcare services.

The crisis in Gaza is part of a larger pattern of neglect of breastfeeding support programs in conflict-affected areas. A report by the Lancet found that breastfeeding support programs have been significantly underfunded in recent years, with many programs facing severe budget cuts. The report highlights the need for increased investment in breastfeeding support programs, particularly in areas with limited access to healthcare services. However, the report also emphasizes the need for more research on the specific needs of mothers in conflict-affected areas and the effectiveness of breastfeeding support programs in these contexts.