Gaza’s healthcare system is reeling after the death of a 7-day-old infant, attributed to the severe cold weather gripping the region. The baby, identified as Mahmoud Al-Aqraa, was pronounced dead upon arrival at Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza. Medical professionals stated that the infant succumbed to the extreme cold due to a lack of adequate heating.
This tragedy underscores the already dire conditions faced by displaced families living in makeshift shelters across the Gaza Strip. Reports indicate that at least four children have now died due to exposure to the cold within these displacement camps, highlighting the desperate humanitarian situation.
The Gaza Civil Defense has issued a stark warning, stating that each new bout of inclement weather is escalating into a full-blown humanitarian disaster. They emphasized the ongoing restrictions on the entry of building materials, which are severely hindering reconstruction efforts and leaving vulnerable populations exposed to the elements. According to the Civil Defense, the current weather system has caused significant damage to temporary shelters, with thousands of tents either damaged or completely destroyed.
A spokesperson for the Civil Defense, Mahmoud Basal, stated, “What we are experiencing is not merely a weather event, but a direct consequence of the blockade on building materials and the stalled reconstruction efforts. People are living in tattered tents and crumbling homes, without safety or dignity.” He further noted that some Palestinians have been forced to erect tents on the seashore due to the lack of available space within cities, a result of widespread destruction.
Basal asserted that the situation in Gaza falls far below minimum humanitarian standards and constitutes a blatant violation of humanitarian principles and international humanitarian law. The Civil Defense has appealed to residents to reinforce their tents to prevent them from being swept away by the wind, acknowledging the lack of access to more robust housing solutions.
The ongoing weather system, characterized by strong winds and plummeting temperatures, is expected to persist. The situation is further exacerbated by reports of damage to shelters located on the outskirts of the Shati refugee camp, northwest of Gaza City, leaving residents exposed and without adequate protection.
DZWatch will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as they become available.
