Rising Toll of Cold Weather: Six Infants Die in Gaza Amid Humanitarian Crisis

As Gaza grapples with extreme winter temperatures and an ongoing humanitarian crisis, six infants have tragically succumbed to cold-related issues, reflecting the dire need for adequate shelter and medical supplies in the region.

Six infants have tragically died from the brutal cold in Gaza over the past two weeks, as reported by Palestinian medics and health officials. The Patient's Friends Benevolent Society hospital in Gaza City announced that nine newborns suffering from cold injuries were admitted, with five of them succumbing to their conditions. Additionally, the family of a two-month-old girl near Khan Younis reported her death due to the cold.

The hospital has urgently called for the delivery of caravans and fuel to improve living conditions for around 945,000 displaced Palestinians, many residing in tents and makeshift shelters. The armed group Hamas has accused Israel of not permitting the agreed supply of shelter materials during a ceasefire established five weeks ago, a claim that Israel denies.

The situation in Gaza, home to around 2.1 million people, remains dire, with many residents having been displaced multiple times during the prolonged conflict between Israel and Hamas. It is estimated that nearly 70% of the buildings in the territory are either damaged or destroyed. Additionally, Gaza's healthcare system has crumbled, with only 18 of its 35 hospitals partially operational and facing critical shortages of medical supplies.

Recent reports indicate an alarming drop in night-time temperatures across Gaza, which have regularly dipped below 10C (50F) in recent weeks, with the mercury plunging to a chilling 3C (37F) on Monday night. Dr. Saeed Salah, the medical director of the PFBS hospital, warned that over the past weeks, numerous infants suffered from cold injuries, with reports stating that many newborns, some just a day old and weighing between 1.7kg and 2kg (around 3.7-4.4lbs), have been affected.

Through interviews, Dr. Salah and his colleague Dr. Samer Lubad confirmed the dire circumstances, saying that, while a few infants have survived, the overall condition is largely due to the combination of harsh weather, inadequate shelter, and a lack of electricity. Meanwhile, Dr. Muneer al-Boursh, director of the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza, stated that a total of 15 children have died from cold since the beginning of winter. He further criticized Israel for not complying with humanitarian protocols, which he claimed include allowing medical equipment and heating supplies into Gaza.

Hamas has stressed the importance of Israel permitting the entry of necessary supplies, while Israeli authorities assert that they have complied with humanitarian aid agreements, claiming that thousands of tents have been delivered since the ceasefire began. However, the increasingly challenging living conditions in Gaza are raising concerns as the ceasefire's future remains uncertain.

As the conflict escalates, tensions continue regarding prisoner releases and further negotiations, with significant casualties reported on both sides since the latest wave of violence erupted. The situation in Gaza necessitates urgent international attention and support to alleviate the suffering of its displaced population.