In a heartbreaking revelation, Palestinian medical officials have reported that at least six infants have succumbed to the biting cold in Gaza over the past two weeks. The Patient's Friends Benevolent Society hospital, located in Gaza City, confirmed the admission of multiple newborns suffering from cold-related ailments, with five fatalities occurring among the nine affected.
Medical staff highlighted the tragic case of a two-month-old girl who died near Khan Younis due to hypothermia. The PFBS hospital emphasized the dire need for immediate delivery of shelter supplies and fuel for the nearly 945,000 displaced Palestinians currently living in inadequate tents and makeshift structures. Hamas officials have accused Israel of obstructing the entry of much-needed humanitarian supplies during a ceasefire that began five weeks ago, a claim Israel denies.
Gaza, home to a population of approximately 2.1 million, continues to grapple with the aftermath of a prolonged conflict. Estimates suggest that around 70% of buildings in the region are either damaged or have been completely destroyed. Medical infrastructure is also on the brink of collapse, with just 18 of the 35 hospitals operational, facing severe shortages of essential medical resources.
Recent weather reports indicate that overnight temperatures in Gaza have plummeted below 10°C (50°F), with a chilling drop to 3°C (37°F) recorded on Monday night. Dr. Saeed Salah, the medical director of the hospital, expressed concern over the increasing number of infants admitted with severe cold injuries, including hypothermia, leading to multiple deaths among the youngest and most vulnerable.
Adding to the grim statistics, the head of the pediatric department at Khan Younis's Nasser Hospital revealed that a two-month-old girl had died from hypothermia, emphasizing the need for immediate action. The infant's father reportedly found her unresponsive in their tent, giving voice to the tragic experiences families are facing in the area.
Dr. Muneer al-Boursh, director general of the Hamas-run health ministry, stated that a total of 15 children have lost their lives due to the cold since the onset of winter, also alleging Israeli noncompliance with humanitarian protocols regarding the entry of necessary medical supplies and shelter provisions.
Israel's military body, Cogat, countered these allegations, stressing its commitment to providing humanitarian aid, including the entry of a significant number of tents and other essential supplies into Gaza. The current ceasefire, however, faces impending uncertainty as discussions continue regarding the fate of prisoners and detainees.
Amid escalating tensions, the cycle of violence between Hamas and Israel shows no sign of resolution, as both sides remain entrenched in their positions. In the wake of this humanitarian crisis, the international community watches closely, with increasing calls for urgent assistance to alleviate the suffering of those affected by the brutal realities on the ground.
