7 Palestinians, including 6 infants, die of cold in Gaza

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
30 Dec 2024 14:47
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Ali al-Batran is the sixth Palestinian infant to die from winter conditions as the ongoing Israeli genocide worsens already harsh living conditions in Gaza.

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Yehia al-Batran grieves as he holds the body of his 20-day-old son Jomaa, who died from hypothermia, at Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in central Gaza, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024 (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

The death toll from severe cold and freezing temperatures among forcibly displaced Palestinians has risen to seven, the Government Media Office in Gaza reported on Monday, warning that this figure is expected to increase as the ongoing weather conditions continue to worsen.

In a press release, the Media Office emphasized the dire situation facing forcibly displaced families, whose homes were destroyed by Israeli airstrikes, leaving them vulnerable to the freezing winter conditions.

"We have repeatedly warned about the dangers of the approaching weather depressions, the winter season, and cold waves coinciding with the catastrophic reality our people are enduring," the statement read. It described the ongoing destruction of homes, the killing of civilians, and the forced displacement as contributing to a level of suffering unparalleled in recent memory.

The press release further warned of continued heavy rainfall and cold waves, which are expected to persist over the coming days. These conditions pose an imminent threat to the lives of the displaced, who are seeking shelter in inadequate tents that fail to provide protection from the severe weather.

"The cold is a major danger to those already suffering due to the occupation’s crimes," the office said.

The Gaza Media Office strongly condemned the Israeli occupation for its actions, which have driven the region into an ongoing humanitarian catastrophe.

The statement held the Israeli government fully responsible for the humanitarian disaster in Gaza, also criticizing the US administration, and European nations including Britain, Germany, and France, for supporting the Israeli actions. It called for immediate international action to end what it described as a genocide against Palestinians.

The office appealed to Arab, Islamic, and international humanitarian organizations to provide urgent assistance to people in Gaza, particularly the displaced population, and to ensure the provision of basic necessities such as shelter, food, and medicine.

Twenty-day-old baby dies from cold in Gaza, sixth infant fatality this winter

In a development, the Palestinian news agency Wafa reported the death of a one-month-old infant, Ali al-Batran, due to the extreme cold. He was the twin brother of Jumaa, who had passed away the day before from similar conditions. Ali's death marks the sixth infant fatality due to the cold in the past week alone.

Medical sources have confirmed that the ongoing cold snap has taken a devastating toll on Gaza's infants. Just days earlier, four newborns, aged between 4 and 21 days, died as a result of the freezing temperatures.

Dr. Muhammad Abu Afash, Director of Medical Relief in Gaza's northern region, warned that the situation is dire, with infants and children dying daily due to the extreme cold weather. He highlighted the severe shortage of necessities, including food, baby formula, blankets, and clothing.

Abu Afash pointed out that what is happening now in Gaza is the humanitarian disaster that officials had previously warned about,” stressing that if nothing changes, entire families could freeze to death in their tents.

Ongoing Israeli genocide

The Israeli occupation forces have continued their airstrikes and artillery bombardments for the 451st consecutive day, committing numerous attacks on civilian areas and intensifying the humanitarian crisis. The siege on Gaza has left over 90% of the population forcibly displaced, with thousands of casualties still trapped under rubble. Despite global calls for ceasefires and humanitarian aid, the entry of fuel and essential supplies remains severely restricted, further exacerbating the already catastrophic situation.

With the blockade in place and continued bombardment, the people of Gaza remain trapped in an increasingly desperate situation, facing the dual threats of ongoing violence and life-threatening weather conditions. Humanitarian organizations continue to call for immediate international intervention to prevent further loss of life.