World Health Organization spokeswoman Margaret Harris said that 90% of pregnant and breastfeeding women in the Gaza Strip suffer from severe malnutrition, and that the lack of medical equipment prevents them from receiving the necessary treatment.

In press statements marking World Health Week, held from April 7 to 13 of each year, Harris reviewed the deteriorating health situation in the Gaza Strip, which has been subjected to a genocidal Israeli war for nearly a year and a half.

She noted that the health of mothers and children in Gaza has deteriorated sharply since the start of the Israeli war of extermination on October 7, 2023.

She explained that 90% of pregnant and breastfeeding women and thousands of children suffer from severe malnutrition.

Harris stressed that many women and children in Gaza are in dire need of treatment.

"Many of them are in dire need of treatment," she said. "No food or medical aid is currently reaching Gaza."

Mothers and children are already suffering, and the situation is getting worse by the day.”

She spoke about the period during which a temporary ceasefire prevailed before Israel resumed its genocide, saying: "During the nearly two months of calm, some hospitals regained their capacity to provide services, we were able to send medical teams, and we received significant international support." She added: "But after the truce ended, many health centers were destroyed, including Nasser Hospital."

She noted that "there are approximately 20 hospitals still partially operating in Gaza, but they are unable to perform their functions without medical supplies."

She added, "We are currently unable to deliver these supplies. Medical staff are exhausted and lack the equipment even to transfuse blood, while patients suffer from horrific injuries and severe bleeding. Yet, when you speak to them, they say they are still at their posts to serve the people."

Harris expressed her gratitude to all healthcare workers working under extremely challenging conditions, adding, "We thank every healthcare worker who goes the extra mile every day to save lives and improve health and well-being, despite all the challenges."

Since October 7, 2023, the occupying forces have launched an aggression against the Gaza Strip, resulting in the deaths of 50,752 citizens, the majority of whom were children and women, and the injury of 115,475 others. This is a preliminary toll, with a number of victims still under the rubble and on the streets, unable to be reached by ambulances and rescue teams.