Gaza has witnessed a surge in child deaths due to the extreme cold, with six children losing their lives over the last two weeks. Three newborn babies froze to death overnight, bringing the total number of children who have died from the cold to six.
The Hamas-run Gaza Ministry of Health confirmed that three more newborn babies are in critical condition as of Tuesday morning. A child at risk of dying is being treated at Nasser Hospital, according to Dr. Ahmed Al-Farra, Head of the Department of Pediatrics and Obstetrics.
Sham Youssef Al-Shambari, a 2-month-old baby, died inside her tent due to extreme cold in the Mawasi area of Khan Younis. Her body is being cradled by her uncles, who have wrapped a thin piece of cloth around it before burying her.
The Gaza Ministry of Health attributed the deaths to insufficient hospitals and equipment. “Hospitals in the northern sector are not sufficient to provide services to citizens after returning to their places of residence,” said Marwan Al-Hams, director general of field hospitals in Gaza.
Most hospitals in the Gaza Strip have been destroyed, leaving patients without necessary treatment. Hospitals urgently need generators and oxygen stations to operate intensive care, according to Al-Hams.
Hamas has blamed Israel for the deaths, accusing it of preventing humanitarian aid and shelter materials from entering the territory. The United Nations has stepped up its deliveries during the ceasefire period, but concerns remain over the availability of medical supplies and equipment.
Over 47,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since October 7, 2023, according to the Hamas-run Gaza Ministry of Health. A ceasefire is currently in effect between Israel and Hamas, but phase one is set to end soon, with negotiations on phase two yet to begin.
Source: https://abcnews.go.com/International/3-newborns-die-cold-gaza-amid-frigid-temperatures/story?id=119167142