A senior Palestinian medical official has warned that 3,958 miscarriages were recorded in the Gaza Strip during the first half of 2026, describing the figure as an “unprecedented” increase as Israel’s genocide continues to devastate maternal and reproductive healthcare.
Dr Bassam Zaqout, director of the Palestinian Medical Relief Society in Gaza, attributed the rise to the severe conditions imposed on pregnant women, including repeated displacement, unsafe transport over damaged roads, inadequate shelter, poor sanitation and continuing fear caused by Israeli attacks.
300% spike in miscarriages: no safe pregnancies in Gaza as Israel’s assault continues, HRW report finds
Zaqout also highlighted the absence of hot water and hygiene products, the spread of disease in overcrowded displacement camps and the lack of safe and consistent access to medical care. Severe shortages of medicines, diagnostic equipment and laboratory supplies have left Gaza’s remaining health facilities unable to provide many essential services.
Separate figures attributed to Gaza’s Ministry of Health show that 921 miscarriages and 2,004 live births were recorded in April alone. This amounts to approximately 460 miscarriages for every 1,000 live births, three times the commonly cited level under normal conditions.
