How Wars in the Middle East Turn Motherhood into Daily Survival Battles
How Wars in the Middle East Turn Motherhood into Daily Survival Battles
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Mothers in war-torn regions of the Middle East face unimaginable hardships as they struggle to protect their children amid ongoing violence, displacement, and the collapse of basic services, a feature article by Arab News reported. From Gaza to Syria, the toll of conflict extends far beyond the battlefield, deeply affecting families and communities.
In Gaza, repeated displacements and a tight blockade have led to severe malnutrition and widespread injuries, with thousands of children suffering acute health issues. The destruction of hospitals and power outages have forced mothers to find extreme ways to carry out everyday tasks like preserving food, washing clothes by hand, and securing basic necessities. The lack of electricity and clean water further complicates survival, especially for pregnant and breastfeeding women facing life-threatening hunger that endangers newborns.
In Syria, years of war and sectarian violence have left countless families mourning the loss of children. Targeted attacks against minority communities, such as the Alawites, have resulted in brutal killings and deep psychological trauma for mothers forced to witness the deaths of their sons and relatives. Despite these losses, women continue to care for their families under constant threat, embodying resilience and resistance amid chaos.
Experts highlight that the grief endured by mothers in these conflicts is not collateral damage but the epicenter of war’s enduring impact. These women become improvised healers and teachers, striving to maintain a semblance of normalcy for their children even as their worlds are shattered.
While conflicts across Gaza, Syria, Sudan and Yemen are often discussed in geopolitical terms, observers say their human impact is strikingly similar.
The shared experiences of mothers across different Middle Eastern conflicts reveal a common narrative of fear, loss, and relentless determination to survive—facing daily battles no parent should ever have to endure.
