Gaza’s humanitarian crisis has reached a critical point as medics report six infants frozen to death in tent camps over the past two weeks. With nighttime temperatures dropping below 10°C (50°F) and storms battering makeshift shelters, displaced families face life-threatening conditions without adequate blankets, fuel, or warm clothing.
Dr. Ahmed al-Farah of Nasser Hospital confirmed receiving a 2-month-old girl’s body on Tuesday, while two other infants required frostbite treatment. Saeed Saleh from Patient's Friends Hospital reported five neonatal deaths from hypothermia since late November. Zaher al-Wahedi of Gaza’s Health Ministry stated 15 cold-related child fatalities this winter.
The fragile ceasefire has enabled limited food aid deliveries but failed to address urgent needs for heating supplies. Over 48,000 Palestinians displaced by Israel’s military campaign now shelter in war-damaged buildings or flimsy tents, often sleeping on damp concrete.
“I have no clue how people can sleep at night in their makeshift tents,”said UNICEF’s Rosalia Bollen, highlighting the dire situation.
Critical shortages persist despite international aid efforts:
- No central electricity since October 2023
- Generator fuel rationed for essential services
- Virtually no firewood available
Reconstruction appears distant with the World Bank estimating $50 billion in damages and years needed just to clear rubble. Political tensions further complicate relief efforts – Hamas accuses Israel of blocking shelter materials, while Israel claims Hamas exploits aid for military purposes.
As the ceasefire’s Saturday deadline approaches, humanitarian groups warn renewed fighting could collapse the already strained aid pipeline. Over 60 hostages remain in Gaza, complicating negotiations. With 15% of Gaza’s population now children under five, medical workers fear infant hypothermia deaths will escalate without immediate intervention.
