Samra Seddik

Independent Midwife, France

Abstract Title:Midwives and Health Workers in Gaza: Practicing Care Under Fire

Biography:

Research Interest: This oral presentation focuses on the dire situation of midwives and health workers in the Gaza Strip amidst ongoing conflict and humanitarian collapse. Drawing on reports from Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), the World Health Organization (WHO), and other international health bodies, it highlights the extreme challenges faced by healthcare professionals—particularly women—in providing essential services in war conditions. We will examine the collapse of health infrastructure, the systematic targeting of medical facilities, and the psychological and physical toll on caregivers. Special attention will be paid to the role of midwives, often overlooked, who continue to provide maternal and neonatal care under siege, with limited supplies and constant danger. This presentation aims to shed light on their resilience, the ethical dilemmas they face, and the urgent need for international accountability and protection of health workers in conflict zones.