Infant Freezes to Death in Gaza as Winter Cold ‘Becomes Lethal’ Under Israeli Aid Blockade

A two-week-old Palestinian infant has died from severe hypothermia in the Gaza Strip, local health authorities reported, as harsh winter conditions exacerbated by Israel’s blockade of humanitarian aid turn deadly for displaced families.

The Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza said the infant, Mohammed Khalil Abu al-Khair, died on Monday after being treated for extreme cold. His death underscores the life-threatening conditions facing hundreds of thousands of Palestinians forced into flimsy tents or damaged shelters after more than 80 percent of Gaza’s structures were destroyed.

“When food, fuel, shelter and aid are banned, cold absolutely becomes lethal,” said Al Jazeera’s correspondent Tareq Abu Azzoum from Gaza City, noting that families are living on wet ground without heating, electricity, or adequate clothing.

Recent torrential rains and fierce winds have flooded tents and collapsed already damaged buildings, killing at least 11 people. Humanitarian agencies, including UNRWA, have urgently called for Israel to allow unimpeded aid deliveries at scale, warning that children are dying from exposure.

Meanwhile, Hamas has condemned Israel for repeated violations of the October ceasefire. According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, Israeli attacks since the truce began have killed at least 393 Palestinians and wounded 1,074.

Source: Al Jazeera