Medics Report Six Infant Deaths Due to Cold in Gaza Over the Past Two Weeks

Over the past two weeks, at least six babies have tragically lost their lives in Gaza due to the harsh cold weather, insufficient shelter, and lack of proper heating, according to Palestinian medical professionals. The cold weather and dire living conditions have worsened the already precarious situation for displaced families, with newborns being particularly vulnerable. Medics at the Patient’s Friends Benevolent Society (PFBS) hospital in Gaza City reported that several infants were admitted to their care, suffering from severe cold injuries, including hypothermia. Five of these babies tragically died, while one remains in critical condition. Additionally, a two-month-old girl from the southern city of Khan Younis died overnight due to the extreme cold.

The PFBS hospital has urgently called for the delivery of caravans and fuel to improve living conditions for the nearly one million displaced Palestinians currently living in makeshift shelters or tents. These individuals are among the many who have been displaced by the ongoing conflict, which has devastated much of Gaza. Despite a ceasefire agreement signed five weeks ago, Palestinian officials, particularly from Hamas, have accused Israel of not fulfilling its commitments to allow the entry of necessary shelter supplies, including tents and caravans. Israel has denied these allegations, stating that it has allowed the entry of the agreed-upon humanitarian aid, including tents.

Gaza’s population of 2.1 million people has been severely impacted by the conflict, with many being displaced multiple times. Around 70% of the buildings in the region have been either damaged or completely destroyed, leaving millions without adequate shelter. In addition to the destruction of homes, Gaza’s healthcare system has been in a state of collapse, with only 18 out of 35 hospitals operating partially, and there are critical shortages of medical equipment and supplies.

The weather conditions in Gaza have contributed significantly to the worsening of the crisis. According to meteorological reports, the temperature has frequently dropped below 10°C (50°F) during the past two weeks, with one night seeing temperatures as low as 3°C (37°F). Dr. Saeed Salah, the medical director at PFBS, explained that a number of babies, some only a day or two old and weighing as little as 1.7 kg (3.7 lbs), had been brought in suffering from cold-related injuries such as hypothermia. Despite medical efforts to stabilize these infants, many did not survive, highlighting the severe danger posed by the cold weather in an already difficult situation.

Dr. Salah, along with other doctors at PFBS, stressed that the lack of safe and warm shelters, central heating, and electricity in Gaza were major factors contributing to the high mortality rate among newborns. The cold weather, coupled with inadequate living conditions, continues to put vulnerable populations at risk, with the babies suffering the most. Despite some of the newborns receiving treatment and surviving, there are still infants in critical condition due to the harsh environment.

Dr. Muneer al-Boursh, the director of the health ministry in Gaza, confirmed that a total of 15 children have died from the cold since the start of winter. He further criticized Israel for not adhering to humanitarian protocols, particularly in terms of allowing the entry of medical equipment, heating supplies, and shelter materials. Hamas has claimed that Israel had failed to deliver the required amount of tents and caravans, which were promised under the terms of the ceasefire agreement. According to Hamas, Israel was supposed to allow the entry of approximately 300,000 tents and 60,000 mobile homes during the first phase of the ceasefire deal, which began in mid-January.

In contrast, the Israeli military body Cogat maintained that it had complied with the ceasefire agreement, allowing the entry of 4,200 humanitarian aid trucks each week, including those carrying tents and shelter materials. Cogat also stated that hundreds of thousands of tents had been delivered to Gaza, according to their records.

The situation remains precarious as the first phase of the ceasefire is set to expire soon, and uncertainty surrounds whether it will be extended. The ongoing conflict, which erupted following a massive cross-border attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023, has resulted in extensive loss of life. According to Gaza’s health ministry, at least 48,348 people have died since the conflict began.

The tragic deaths of these infants underscore the urgent need for more effective humanitarian aid and long-term solutions to address the suffering in Gaza. While temporary ceasefires may provide brief relief, the ongoing destruction and displacement call for sustained efforts to rebuild and provide adequate shelter, medical care, and basic services for the people of Gaza.