Six Infants Die as Cold Grips Gaza’s Displaced Families

At least six infants have died from hypothermia in Gaza over the past two weeks, Palestinian medics reported. As winter temperatures drop below 10°C (50°F), families struggle to survive in tents and damaged buildings. Moreover, strong winds from the Mediterranean have worsened conditions.

A Father’s Heartbreaking Loss

Yusuf al-Shinbari woke up in his tent after midnight on Tuesday. To his horror, he found his two-month-old daughter, Sham, cold and lifeless. “Yesterday, I was playing with her,” he said. “I was happy with her. She was a beautiful child, like the moon.”

Hospitals Overwhelmed

Dr. Ahmed al-Farah, head of pediatrics at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, confirmed Sham died from severe cold. She had no illness. In addition, the hospital has treated two infants for frostbite.

Saeed Salah from the Patient’s Friends Hospital in Gaza City reported five more infant deaths in the last two weeks. Notably, a one-month-old died on Monday. Meanwhile, another child remains on a ventilator.

Zaher al-Wahedi, head of Gaza’s Health Ministry records, stated that 15 children have died from hypothermia this winter.

Ceasefire Brings Little Relief

The ceasefire has allowed more food aid into Gaza. However, residents still struggle to find blankets, warm clothing, and firewood. Furthermore, Gaza has had no central electricity since the early days of the war. Fuel for generators remains scarce, and many families sleep on cold sand or concrete.

Rosalia Bollen, a UNICEF spokesperson, described the situation: “It’s incredibly cold. I have no clue how people can sleep at night in their makeshift tents.”

Destruction and Uncertain Future

Israel’s military offensive, launched after Hamas’ October 7 attack, devastated Gaza. As a result, families who returned north now live among ruins.

The ceasefire’s first phase ends on Saturday. If fighting resumes, humanitarian aid could drop sharply. Even if the truce holds, Gaza faces years of rebuilding. In fact, the World Bank estimates reconstruction costs exceed $50 billion.

Accusations and Delays

Israel blames Hamas for the destruction, saying militants hid weapons and tunnels in residential areas. On the other hand, Hamas accuses Israel of blocking mobile homes and tents in violation of the ceasefire. However, Israel denies this and instead accuses Hamas of breaking the agreement.

Last weekend, Israel delayed releasing Palestinian prisoners. The move was in protest of Hamas parading hostages in public before their release.

War’s Deadly Toll

Hamas-led fighters attacked Israel on October 7, killing about 1,200 people, mostly civilians. They also took around 250 hostages. Currently, over 60 remain in Gaza, with half believed to be dead.

Meanwhile, Israel’s air and ground war has killed over 48,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. However, the ministry does not separate militant deaths. Israel claims it has killed over 17,000 Hamas fighters but has not provided evidence.