In brief
Over the last two weeks, rising cold weather in Gaza has resulted in the deaths of six infants, with healthcare workers highlighting the dire need for shelter and heating supplies for displaced families.
At least six infants have tragically died in Gaza over the past fortnight due to an extreme cold snap and inadequate shelter, as reported by Palestinian medics and health officials. The Patient's Friends Benevolent Society (PFBS) hospital in Gaza City reported that nine newborns suffering from cold-related injuries had been admitted; five of these babies did not survive. A family from the Khan Younis area stated that their two-month-old daughter also passed away overnight due to the freezing conditions.In a plea for support, the PFBS hospital has urged the delivery of caravans and fuel to assist approximately 945,000 displaced Palestinians currently living in makeshift tents. The situation is exacerbated by allegations from the armed group Hamas, which claims that Israel has not allowed sufficient aid—such as tents and shelter materials—to pass during a ceasefire that commenced five weeks ago. Israel, however, has countered these claims, insisting that it has met its humanitarian obligations.The ongoing conflict has displaced the majority of Gaza's 2.1 million residents multiple times, leaving almost 70% of the region’s infrastructure severely damaged or destroyed. With only 18 out of 35 hospitals still operational, the local healthcare system is on the brink of collapse, and shortages of essential medical supplies plague the hospitals.Meteorological records indicate that night-time temperatures in Gaza have frequently dropped below 10 degrees Celsius (50 degrees Fahrenheit) in the last two weeks, and fell to a chilling 3 degrees Celsius (37 degrees Fahrenheit) most recently. Dr. Saeed Salah, medical director at the PFBS, had earlier warned that several infants had died following severe cold injuries, including hypothermia.In another account, Dr. Samer Lubad at the same hospital detailed the heartbreaking plight of newborns suffering from cold injuries, reiterating the urgent need for safe shelters and adequate heating to avoid further tragedies. The pediatric department in Khan Younis reported receiving the body of a two-month-old girl who succumbed to severe hypothermia, further underlining the humanitarian crisis in the region. The health ministry, under Hamas, has reported that at least 15 children have died this winter alone due to cold exposure. It has accused Israel of not adhering to humanitarian protocols, further complicating the ongoing crisis. As the ceasefire's first phase approaches its conclusion, uncertainty looms about its future, with tensions rising as both sides accuse each other of violating the agreement. The Israeli government has reportedly postponed the release of Palestinian prisoners, creating a potential hurdle in future negotiations. The emotional and humanitarian impact of the ongoing conflict continues to resonate, as Gaza grapples with a dire winter and the loss of innocent lives.
