Six infants in the enclave, including a 20-day-old baby, lost their lives to hypothermia in just a single week of the chilly weather that has engulfed Gaza. Three of the five Palestinian infants who died from freezing to death in less than a week resided in al-Mawasi’s “humanitarian zone.” The most common cause of hypothermia—the severe and possibly dangerous fall in body temperature is extended exposure to cold. According to Nasser Hospital doctor Dr. Fidda Al-Nadi, who spoke to CBS News, the hospital admits one or two hypothermia patients each day. According to Al-Nadi, the youngest are the most at risk.
The final week of December 2024 had nightly lows of 11 to 12 degrees Celsius and temperatures of around 19 and 20 degrees Celsius during the day. The enclave experiences moderate winters, although its seaside position and frequent downpours render it colder.
The wettest months in Gaza are December and January and severe rains accompanied by strong winds have ruined temporary covers, soaked clothes and blankets—making the present winter in Gaza painful especially for those who remain in tents and without adequate protection. Due to severe limitations enforced by Israel, many Palestinians are forced to hack down trees for firewood in order to remain warm and cook as they have restricted access to fuel, electricity or gas heaters.
Families are attempting to repair the damage by mending ripped plastic sheets and stacking sand to keep the water from flooding or blowing away dozens of tents, many of which are already frayed from months of usage. According to international aid organisations, Israeli soldiers have been obstructing aid supplies which has exacerbated the humanitarian catastrophe. There is a scarcity of blankets, warm clothes, and firewood according to aid organisations, who have also had difficulty delivering food and supplies.
Following the raid on the Kamal Adwan Hospital, the World Health Organisation said that Israel’s “dismantling of the health system” and the siege of the northern part of the coastal strip over the past 80 days have put the lives of the 75,000 Palestinians who remain in the area at great risk. This demolition of Palestinian healthcare system amidst the destruction of their homes is how so many babies are dying of the oppressive cold without receiving proper protection or care.
