'I want my baby to live in a world with no wars or suffering'

A MUM-to-be preparing to give birth in northern Gaza's only functioning hospital has told of her hopes that her child can grow up in peace and stability.

- By Hanna Geissler

Iman, 27, is among hundreds of pregnant women and new mums receiving crucial care at the war-ravaged Al-Awda Hospital.

The facility is running at around 50% capacity after two operating theatres and inpatient departments were damaged during 17 months of fighting.

Images shared by charity ActionAid UK show the shattered environment in which new lives are brought into being. But for women like Iman, it is a beacon of hope.

After fleeing fighting in the north, Iman spent months sharing a tent with nine other people. Access to food, water and medical support was scarce.

She said: "I had been praying for the war to end. My biggest fear was to deliver my baby in a tent. My health started to decline after my first trimester. It was due to the lack of food and medicine. Living in tents and the entire situation made me sick."

When a ceasefire was announced between the Israeli forces and Hamas in January, Iman made her way back to northern Gaza on foot and found shelter at Al-Awda.

She said: "I just hope my baby leads a better life than the one we have. I want her to grow up in a happy and safe environment. I want my baby to live in a world without wars, fear, or suffering."