Since the war started in Gaza in October 2023, birth numbers have declined significantly. A human rights organization argued that this situation cannot be explained solely as a side effect of the war, drawing attention to a separate violation dimension that strains reproductive health.
According to the data shared by the organization, a sharp decline was especially observed in the early months of 2026. In April 2026, 2,004 babies were born in Gaza, marking a 67% decrease compared to the 6,076 births recorded in November 2025.
The decline in birth numbers continued from the beginning of the year. In January 2026, 5,210 births were recorded, dropping to 3,433 in February, 3,233 in March, and according to interior ministry records, 1,701 babies were born in May.
The report also compared pre-war and wartime data. While approximately 57,000 babies were born in Gaza in 2022, this number fell to 54,000 in 2023 and further to 38,000 in 2024. The organization stated that this decline reached 38% compared to pre-war levels.
The increase in miscarriages was addressed as a separate topic in the report. In April 2026, 921 miscarriages were recorded, which corresponds to 460 miscarriages per 1,000 live births and about 46% of registered pregnancies during the same period.
According to the organization, the number of miscarriages reached approximately 6,000 throughout 2025. In 2026, monthly miscarriages ranged between 500 and 600, representing about a 225% increase compared to natural pre-war levels.
The organization argued that these figures show that the destruction in Gaza is not limited to deaths but also strains the community's biological reproductive capacity. The statement noted that this situation is being considered within the framework of measures aimed at preventing births.
The report emphasized that the collapse of the healthcare system deepened the situation. Hospitals, primary healthcare centers, maternity units, and assisted reproduction centers were destroyed; healthcare personnel were killed or detained; and the entry of medicines and medical supplies was restricted.
The organization also drew attention to the effects of hunger and malnutrition on pregnancy. Forced displacement, constant fear, insecurity, and lack of privacy increased the risk of miscarriage and pregnancy complications, and frozen embryos in some facilities were also damaged.
The statement called on the international community to independently investigate the sharp decline in birth rates and the rise in miscarriages. It urged the restoration of reproductive health in Gaza, securing food and medical aid for pregnant women and newborns, and holding accountable those responsible for the policies that led to this collapse.
