Seela al-Faseeh, a 2-week-old baby, died from hypothermia in Gaza after her father took her to the pediatric emergency ward at Nasser Hospital. Doctors found no health problems but her heart stopped beating due to plummeting temperatures. At least four babies have died from the cold in Gaza in the past week, with two to three cases of hypothermia being reported daily. United Nations estimates show that more than 14,500 children have been killed over 14 months in Gaza, with one child being killed every hour.
As winter sets in Gaza, temperatures have dropped significantly, posing risks to children living in tents and makeshift shelters ill-equipped for freezing weather. The lack of essential winter protection, such as blankets and warm clothing, has made the situation more dire. Israeli authorities are restricting humanitarian aid, preventing necessary supplies from reaching those in need. Aid workers are struggling to provide assistance due to these restrictions and the inhumane conditions faced by Gaza’s residents.
Mahmoud Faseeh and his family live in a tent camp in al-Mawasi, sleeping on the sand without any protection from the cold. The situation is described as exhausting, tragic, and constantly making the children sick. Ahmed al-Zahrani, a nurse at Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital, died from the cold weather in the tent camp. The lack of heating resources in the tents has exacerbated the suffering of Gaza’s residents, especially amidst the falling temperatures.
The war that began after Hamas terror attacks in southern Israel in 2023 has devastated Gaza, resulting in the deaths of thousands and the destruction of basic infrastructure and the health system. The disproportionate impact of the war on Gaza’s children, especially during the winter, has been highlighted by UNICEF. Children are cold, wet, and barefoot, with many still wearing summer clothes. The lack of cooking gas has forced people to burn plastic scraps for warmth, further endangering their health and well-being.
UNICEF has issued a warning about the dire circumstances faced by children in Gaza during the winter, emphasizing the urgent need for assistance and protection. With limited humanitarian aid reaching Gaza, children and families are left vulnerable to the harsh winter conditions and the ongoing conflict. It is crucial for immediate action to be taken to address the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza, ensuring that children are protected from the cold and receive the necessary support to survive the winter.
