In the Gaza Strip, six additional infants have succumbed to hypothermia over the past two weeks, as hundreds of thousands of displaced residents endure freezing temperatures in makeshift shelters.
Despite a fragile ceasefire, a severe shortage of essential supplies persists, exacerbated by ongoing aid blockades.
Dr. Ahmed al-Farah of Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis reported the death of a 2-month-old girl and the treatment of two other infants for frostbite.
Similarly, Saeed Saleh from Patient’s Friends Hospital in Gaza City noted the recent deaths of five infants, all one month old or younger, with another currently on a ventilator. The Gaza Health Ministry has confirmed a total of 15 child deaths from hypothermia this winter.
The lack of adequate shelter, blankets, warm clothing, and heating fuel has left families vulnerable to the harsh winter conditions. The blockade has severely restricted the entry of humanitarian aid, including essential winter supplies, compounding the crisis. The World Bank estimates that rebuilding Gaza will require over $50 billion, a process that could span years.
The ongoing conflict has resulted in over 48,000 Palestinian casualties and widespread infrastructure destruction. Efforts to negotiate a lasting ceasefire remain uncertain, further hindering the delivery of much-needed humanitarian assistance to the region.
