A360
Key Takeaways✦ Atlas AI
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1,200 children suffer paralysis.
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Birth defects doubled in 2025.
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457 infants died in first week.
Atlas AI
Infants and young children in the Gaza Strip are facing a sharp rise in severe medical conditions during the ongoing conflict, according to figures released by Gaza's Ministry of Health. The ministry said the situation reflects a worsening public health emergency affecting the territory’s youngest residents.
The Ministry of Health reported that Israeli attacks have left 1,200 children with spinal cord injuries and paralysis. It also cited growing numbers of newborns with serious complications, alongside barriers that limit access to specialized care.
Gaza Ministry of Health reports surge in paralysis and injuries
Health officials said the conflict has contributed to life-altering injuries among children, including paralysis linked to spinal cord trauma. The ministry’s count of 1,200 children with spinal cord injuries and paralysis was presented as part of its broader assessment of pediatric harm during the war.
The ministry also described infants suffering from severe health conditions such as birth deformities and burn injuries. It did not provide a single consolidated total for these categories, but framed them as part of a wider pattern of escalating medical need.
Congenital defects and prenatal care breakdown
In 2025, the Ministry of Health recorded 322 cases of congenital defects, saying this was double the pre-war rate. Officials attributed the increase to famine, toxic exposure, and the collapse of prenatal care services.
The ministry also reported that more than 4,000 women had premature deliveries in 2025. It said 4,800 babies were born with low birth weights that year, describing the figure as double the pre-war level.
Medical evacuation needs and movement restrictions
Over 4,000 children require urgent medical evacuation, according to the ministry. Officials said movement restrictions are preventing many patients from reaching treatment, limiting access to care that is not available locally or that requires advanced facilities.
The ministry’s figures point to a system under strain, where urgent cases compete with reduced capacity and disrupted services. It did not specify how many evacuations have been completed, leaving uncertainty about how quickly children can access the care they need.
Demographic indicators turn negative
Beyond immediate health outcomes, the ministry said the conflict has coincided with major demographic shifts. Gaza’s population growth has turned negative, reported at -1.3 percent.
Birth rates were reported to have fallen by 38 percent in 2024 and by 13 percent in 2025. The ministry also said 457 infants died in their first week of life last year, underscoring the scale of risk in the earliest days after birth.
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