Six newborns have tragically succumbed to the bitter cold in Gaza over the past two weeks, highlighting the severe humanitarian crisis facing the region. Doctors at the Patient's Friends Benevolent Society hospital in Gaza City reported that nine babies were admitted suffering from cold-related injuries, with five fatalities and another in critical condition. The family of a two-month-old girl from Khan Younis also confirmed her death due to freezing conditions.
The hospital has urgently requested the delivery of caravans and heating supplies for the nearly 945,000 displaced Palestinians living in temporary shelters. The local armed group Hamas has accused Israel of failing to facilitate the entry of necessary supplies agreed upon during a recent ceasefire, while Israel has rejected these claims, insisting that aid continues to flow into the region.
The ongoing conflict has displaced a vast majority of Gaza's 2.1 million residents, with nearly 70% of infrastructure either damaged or destroyed. The healthcare system is in complete disarray, with only 18 out of 35 hospitals operational and severe shortages of essential medical equipment.
Meteorological data shows night temperatures in Gaza have dipped below 10°C (50°F) recently, even reaching lows of 3°C (37°F), compounding the hazards faced by vulnerable populations, particularly newborns. Dr. Saeed Salah and Dr. Samer Lubad, both at the PFBS hospital, have reported an alarming increase in cases of hypothermia among infants due to inadequate shelter and lack of electricity.
The situation has been further compounded by the death of a two-month-old girl from Khan Younis, who was found unresponsive by her mother in their tent. Dr. Muneer al-Boursh, of the Hamas-run health ministry, stated that a total of 15 children have perished due to the cold since the winter began, emphasizing ongoing allegations that Israel has not adhered to humanitarian protocols regarding the entry of essential supplies.
As the ceasefire approaches its potential expiration, tensions remain high, with uncertainty over the future of humanitarian efforts and prisoner releases. The ongoing Israeli military campaign against Hamas is a response to an earlier unprovoked attack, resulting in continued widespread suffering for the people of Gaza amidst an unyielding humanitarian crisis.
