Six newborns die from cold in Gaza
Gaza’s worsening humanitarian crisis has led to the deaths of at least six newborn babies in the past two weeks due to extreme cold and inadequate shelter, according to Palestinian medics and health officials. The deteriorating conditions have further exposed the dire living circumstances of hundreds of thousands of displaced residents as the ongoing conflict continues.
Medical staff at the Patient’s Friends Benevolent Society (PFBS) hospital in Gaza City reported that nine newborns had been admitted with cold-related injuries. Five of them died, while one remains in critical condition. In a separate incident, a two-month-old girl near the southern city of Khan Younis also succumbed to the freezing temperatures.
Health professionals and aid organizations have urgently called for improved shelter and heating solutions. The PFBS hospital has requested immediate assistance, including the delivery of caravans and fuel, to help protect the estimated 945,000 displaced Palestinians currently living in makeshift tents and damaged buildings.
The Palestinian armed group Hamas has accused Israel of failing to provide the agreed-upon quantity of shelter supplies, such as tents and mobile homes, during the ongoing ceasefire that began five weeks ago. However, Israeli officials have rejected these claims, stating that humanitarian aid continues to enter Gaza under the agreement.
Most of Gaza’s 2.1 million residents have been displaced multiple times over the last 16 months due to the war between Israel and Hamas. Nearly 70% of the region’s buildings have been damaged or destroyed, severely limiting access to proper housing. Compounding the crisis, Gaza’s healthcare system has nearly collapsed, with only 18 of 35 hospitals still partially operational and facing severe shortages of essential medical supplies and equipment.
Freezing temperatures have further exacerbated the crisis, with nighttime lows regularly falling below 10°C (50°F) in recent weeks. On Monday night, temperatures dropped to 3°C (37°F), putting newborns and other vulnerable populations at even greater risk.
Medical professionals have raised alarms over the growing number of cold-related fatalities. Dr. Saeed Salah, medical director at the PFBS hospital, reported that three newborns suffering from hypothermia died within a short period. Dr. Samer Lubad, a pediatrician at the hospital, stated that while three other babies survived and were successfully treated, one remains in critical condition in the neonatal ICU. He attributed the deaths to the lack of central heating, prolonged electricity shortages, and exposure to freezing conditions.
Dr. Muneer al-Boursh, director general of the Hamas-run health ministry, reported that at least 15 children have died from cold-related conditions since winter began. He accused Israel of preventing the entry of critical humanitarian supplies, including medical equipment, heating materials, and adequate shelter.
Israeli authorities maintain that they have upheld their obligations by allowing humanitarian aid to enter Gaza, including trucks carrying tents and other relief supplies. The Israeli military agency COGAT stated that since the ceasefire began, hundreds of thousands of tents have been delivered to assist displaced families.
As the humanitarian crisis deepens, uncertainty looms over whether the current ceasefire will be extended beyond Saturday, when the first phase of the agreement is set to expire. Tensions have risen after Israel delayed the release of Palestinian prisoners in exchange for hostages, complicating ongoing indirect negotiations.