As cold weather grips Gaza, medical professionals report that six newborn babies have died in just two weeks due to extreme temperatures and a dire lack of adequate shelter. Hospitals are overwhelmed; doctors at the Patient's Friends Benevolent Society (PFBS) in Gaza City have treated nine babies for cold injuries, with five sadly succumbing to their ailments, while one remains critically ill.
The suffering is compounded by the ongoing humanitarian crisis; nearly a million individuals are living in tents or makeshift shelters, many without proper heating. Since the onset of winter, nighttime temperatures have plunged below 10°C (50°F), reaching as low as 3°C (37°F). Medics warn that this chilling environment is particularly deadly for newborns, especially those with low birth weights.
In a tragic reminder of the crisis, a family from Khan Younis reported the loss of their two-month-old daughter, Sham Yousef al-Shambari, who died from hypothermia. Her father shared the heartbreaking moment after discovering her lifeless in their tent.
Officials from the Hamas-run health ministry state that over 15 children have died from cold-related causes since winter began, blaming Israel for the slow delivery of urgently needed humanitarian supplies and medical care amid a fragile ceasefire agreement. Meanwhile, Israeli authorities maintain they are fulfilling their humanitarian obligations, but the situation on the ground presents a profound challenge.
As the ceasefire approaches its end, uncertainty looms, raising concerns for the future well-being of the displaced Gazans and underscoring the immediate need for aid to ensure the survival of the vulnerable, particularly infants exposed to the elements.
The suffering is compounded by the ongoing humanitarian crisis; nearly a million individuals are living in tents or makeshift shelters, many without proper heating. Since the onset of winter, nighttime temperatures have plunged below 10°C (50°F), reaching as low as 3°C (37°F). Medics warn that this chilling environment is particularly deadly for newborns, especially those with low birth weights.
In a tragic reminder of the crisis, a family from Khan Younis reported the loss of their two-month-old daughter, Sham Yousef al-Shambari, who died from hypothermia. Her father shared the heartbreaking moment after discovering her lifeless in their tent.
Officials from the Hamas-run health ministry state that over 15 children have died from cold-related causes since winter began, blaming Israel for the slow delivery of urgently needed humanitarian supplies and medical care amid a fragile ceasefire agreement. Meanwhile, Israeli authorities maintain they are fulfilling their humanitarian obligations, but the situation on the ground presents a profound challenge.
As the ceasefire approaches its end, uncertainty looms, raising concerns for the future well-being of the displaced Gazans and underscoring the immediate need for aid to ensure the survival of the vulnerable, particularly infants exposed to the elements.
