Gaza: The UK has announced new life-saving support for pregnant women and new mothers, along with menstrual hygiene kits for thousands of women and girls. The UK has pledged vital funding to deploy midwives and deliver emergency medical supplies for new mothers in Gaza. The aid could reach thousands, but only if the Israeli occupation allows a substantial increase in vital humanitarian access, said a statement by the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office.
According to Kuwait News Agency, Foreign Secretary David Lammy stated, "The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains catastrophic, with famine in Gaza City and women and girls bearing the brunt of the suffering. The UK is doing all we can to improve the situation but we remain crystal clear: for aid to have impact, Israel must ensure it is allowed in and delivered safely and securely to civilians in desperate need." He emphasized the dire state of Gaza's healthcare system, pointing out the destruction of healthcare centers and the non-functioning status of most hospitals, which heightens the anxiety of pregnant women about giving birth safely.
Lammy further highlighted the importance of the newly announced funding as part of the UK's sustained humanitarian assistance to the Occupied Palestinian Territories. "This new funding will help improve midwifery provisions and make giving birth safer. It is critical to improving the situation for mothers and their newborn babies," he said. However, he stressed that the funding can only be fully effective if the Israeli government allows it, urging Israel to ensure the protection of civilians, including healthcare staff and infrastructure, and to enable the delivery of life-saving medical supplies into Gaza.
The UK's funding aims to support some of the 130 women who give birth daily amid the conflict in Gaza. The three million Pound Sterling funding, delivered through the UN's sexual and reproductive health agency (UNFPA), is intended to support midwives in providing essential care for mothers and newborns in conflicts and crises. This announcement follows confirmation by the Famine Review Committee of famine in parts of Gaza. The UK reiterated that the Israeli occupation's refusal to allow sufficient aid has caused this man-made catastrophe, urging immediate action to improve the situation.
Laila Baker, UNFPA Arab States Regional Director, commented on the deteriorating conditions for women and girls in Gaza, citing widespread malnutrition and disease as significant risks for pregnant and breastfeeding women and their babies. She expressed gratitude for the UK's contribution, which will assist UNFPA in providing lifesaving medicines, deploying mobile maternity units, and supporting midwives across the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
The FCDO is also collaborating with Oxfam GB to distribute Reemi's zero waste menstrual hygiene products, suitable for women and girls with limited access to clean water. Despite challenging circumstances, Oxfam and local partners distributed over 5,000 Reemi kits in Northern Gaza in early 2025.
The UK remains committed to supporting humanitarian efforts in Gaza, having announced Pound Sterling 60 million in humanitarian funding for the Occupied Palestinian Territories this financial year.