A severe cold snap has claimed six babies’ lives in Gaza over the past two weeks, with medics warning of a dire shelter crisis and inadequate medical supplies.
Palestinian doctors at the Patient’s Friends Benevolent Society hospital reported nine newborns suffering from cold injuries, resulting in five deaths, including a two-month-old girl who died near Khan Younis. The hospital is urging an emergency delivery of caravans and fuel to improve conditions for 945,000 displaced Palestinians living in tents.
The Gaza health ministry alleges Israel’s failure to allow adequate shelter supplies since the ceasefire began five weeks ago, despite claims from Cogat that humanitarian aid trucks carrying tents and shelter supplies are being allowed into Gaza. The healthcare system has collapsed, with only 18 of 35 hospitals functioning partially.
Temperature readings in Gaza have regularly fallen below 10C (50F) over the past two weeks, dropping to as low as 3C (37F). The deaths come amid ongoing uncertainty over whether the ceasefire will continue past Saturday.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c62k676gk34o