Medical officials in Gaza report that six newborns have died from cold-related issues in the past two weeks, highlighting the dire conditions faced by displaced Palestinians. Accusations of inadequate humanitarian aid allocations between Hamas and Israel intensify as healthcare systems collapse under pressure.
Rising Cold-Related Deaths Among Newborns in Gaza Amid Ongoing Humanitarian Crisis
Rising Cold-Related Deaths Among Newborns in Gaza Amid Ongoing Humanitarian Crisis
A report reveals that at least six infants have succumbed to hypothermia in Gaza due to adverse weather conditions and inadequate shelter, igniting further controversy over the humanitarian situation in the region.
Medical reports indicate that six infants have tragically lost their lives due to frigid weather conditions in Gaza over the past two weeks, raising alarms about the humanitarian crisis affecting the region. Healthcare professionals from the Patient's Friends Benevolent Society hospital in Gaza City confirmed that numerous newborns were treated for cold injuries, with five fatalities reported among them and one infant currently in critical condition.
Additionally, a family in green Khan Younis reported the death of a two-month-old girl, linking her demise to the harsh cold experienced overnight. This situation has prompted the PFBS hospital to urgently request the delivery of caravans and fuel to enhance living conditions for the nearly 945,000 displaced individuals living in substandard tents or makeshift shelters.
Hamas has accused Israel of restricting the necessary shipment of supplies, such as tents and caravans, which were agreed upon during a ceasefire initiated five weeks ago. Israel, however, has denied responsibility and maintains that it has complied with obligations to allow aid into Gaza.
The ongoing conflict and crisis have displaced a significant portion of Gaza's approximately 2.1 million residents, with extensive destruction to infrastructure. Current estimates suggest that nearly 70% of housing has been damaged or destroyed, which has rendered the healthcare system largely ineffective, as only 18 out of 35 hospitals in the region are partially operational.
Recent weather data indicates that nighttime temperatures have dipped below 10C (50F), with a significant drop to 3C (37F) recorded on a recent Monday night. Dr. Saeed Salah, medical director at PFBS, had previously warned of cold-related infant deaths in a recorded statement, emphasizing that most of the affected children were newborns weighing between 1.7 to 2 kg (3.7-4.4 lbs).
The situation has drawn broader attention, especially as regional security tensions persist. The director general of the health ministry in Gaza has stated that a total of 15 children have succumbed to cold exposure since winter began, insisting on Israel's compliance with humanitarian protocols including entry provisions for medical supplies and heating equipment.
As ceasefire negotiations loom in uncertainty, both sides continue to trade accusations of violations. Israel has postponed the release of 600 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for ten hostages from Hamas, further complicating the fragile peace efforts. Meanwhile, the humanitarian crisis continues to escalate, as Gaza's healthcare and living conditions deteriorate, leading to more casualties among its most vulnerable population—its children.
