In a harrowing turn of events, Palestinian medics report the deaths of six babies in Gaza due to severe cold and inadequate shelter over the past fortnight, underscoring the urgent need for humanitarian relief amidst ongoing conflict.
Babies Perish from Cold in Gaza Amid Ongoing Crisis
Babies Perish from Cold in Gaza Amid Ongoing Crisis
Six infants have succumbed to cold exposure in Gaza, prompting calls for urgent humanitarian aid as winter temperatures descend.
At least six newborns have tragically died from the extreme cold in Gaza over the past two weeks, as reported by medical professionals and health officials. The Patient's Friends Benevolent Society (PFBS) hospital in Gaza City, which is treating multiple infants suffering from hypothermia, has indicated that nine babies were admitted, with five fatalities and one remaining in critical condition.
According to the family of a two-month-old girl, she also died from hypothermia near Khan Younis. The PFBS hospital has urgently requested the delivery of caravans and fuel to support approximately 945,000 displaced Palestinians currently living in makeshift shelters.
Hamas has accused Israel of restricting the entry of essential supplies such as tents and caravans during a ceasefire that has been active for five weeks, a claim Israel has denied. With a staggering 2.1 million Gazans displaced amid a protracted 16-month conflict, nearly 70% of buildings in the region are reported to be damaged or destroyed, leading to a breakdown in the healthcare system.
Only 18 out of 35 hospitals operate partially, with critical shortages of medical supplies. Recently documented nighttime temperatures in Gaza have regularly dipped below 10°C (50°F), with readings dropping as low as 3°C (37°F) this week, according to meteorological data.
Dr. Saeed Salah, the medical director at PFBS, noted the grim situation, stating that several of the deceased infants were only one to two days old, weighing between 1.7 kg and 2 kg (3.7 lbs to 4.4 lbs). Dr. Samer Lubad, a pediatrician at the same facility, confirmed that, while three babies had been treated successfully, the cold conditions were to blame for the injuries observed.
In addition, the Nasser Hospital's pediatric department reported receiving the body of the two-month-old girl, Sham Yousef al-Shambari, who died from hypothermia. Her father shared the heartbreaking account of finding her unresponsive and freezing in their tent.
Dr. Muneer al-Boursh, head of the Hamas-run health ministry, claimed that a total of 15 children have died due to the cold since winter's onset. He also reaffirmed accusations against Israel for not complying with humanitarian protocols, specifically related to the delivery of medical supplies and adequate living conditions.
In response, the Israeli military body Cogat asserted its commitment to facilitating the entry of humanitarian aid, claiming that hundreds of thousands of tents have already been delivered to Gaza. As the ceasefire's initial phase approaches its end, uncertainty looms over future negotiations and potential extensions of humanitarian assistance.
This crisis comes on the heels of intensified military efforts by Israel against Hamas, following a devastating cross-border attack that resulted in significant casualties. As these developments unfold, both humanitarian and military dimensions continue to shape the landscape in Gaza.
According to the family of a two-month-old girl, she also died from hypothermia near Khan Younis. The PFBS hospital has urgently requested the delivery of caravans and fuel to support approximately 945,000 displaced Palestinians currently living in makeshift shelters.
Hamas has accused Israel of restricting the entry of essential supplies such as tents and caravans during a ceasefire that has been active for five weeks, a claim Israel has denied. With a staggering 2.1 million Gazans displaced amid a protracted 16-month conflict, nearly 70% of buildings in the region are reported to be damaged or destroyed, leading to a breakdown in the healthcare system.
Only 18 out of 35 hospitals operate partially, with critical shortages of medical supplies. Recently documented nighttime temperatures in Gaza have regularly dipped below 10°C (50°F), with readings dropping as low as 3°C (37°F) this week, according to meteorological data.
Dr. Saeed Salah, the medical director at PFBS, noted the grim situation, stating that several of the deceased infants were only one to two days old, weighing between 1.7 kg and 2 kg (3.7 lbs to 4.4 lbs). Dr. Samer Lubad, a pediatrician at the same facility, confirmed that, while three babies had been treated successfully, the cold conditions were to blame for the injuries observed.
In addition, the Nasser Hospital's pediatric department reported receiving the body of the two-month-old girl, Sham Yousef al-Shambari, who died from hypothermia. Her father shared the heartbreaking account of finding her unresponsive and freezing in their tent.
Dr. Muneer al-Boursh, head of the Hamas-run health ministry, claimed that a total of 15 children have died due to the cold since winter's onset. He also reaffirmed accusations against Israel for not complying with humanitarian protocols, specifically related to the delivery of medical supplies and adequate living conditions.
In response, the Israeli military body Cogat asserted its commitment to facilitating the entry of humanitarian aid, claiming that hundreds of thousands of tents have already been delivered to Gaza. As the ceasefire's initial phase approaches its end, uncertainty looms over future negotiations and potential extensions of humanitarian assistance.
This crisis comes on the heels of intensified military efforts by Israel against Hamas, following a devastating cross-border attack that resulted in significant casualties. As these developments unfold, both humanitarian and military dimensions continue to shape the landscape in Gaza.
