At least 21 displaced Palestinians, mostly children, have died from extreme cold in camps for the displaced in the Gaza Strip since the start of the Israeli war, local authorities said on Sunday.
Gaza’s Government Media Office stated that the deaths were recorded among families living in makeshift shelters that do not provide adequate protection from harsh winter conditions, warning of a worsening humanitarian catastrophe.
Children are among the most vulnerable
Among the victims are 18 children, including infants and young children, forced to live in tents without heating, insulation, and basic winter necessities.
A day earlier, a one-week-old infant, Mahmoud al-Aqraa, died of hypothermia at Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in central Gaza, his father confirmed.
Consequences of destruction and blockade
According to the Media Office, the deaths are a direct result of the mass destruction of homes and infrastructure, the ongoing Israeli blockade, and the forced displacement of more than 1.5 million Palestinians.
It was warned that the continuation of cold waves could further increase the number of victims, especially among children, the elderly, and chronically ill persons.
Stormy weather further worsened the situation
Palestinian meteorological officials announced that a new low-pressure system brought heavy rainfall, strong winds, and falling temperatures, with wind gusts of up to 60 km/h.
Gaza’s Civil Defense stated that storms damaged or destroyed thousands of tents, while dozens of buildings already weakened by bombardment collapsed during the severe weather conditions.
Accusations against Israel and a call for urgent aid
The Government Media Office accused Israel of bearing full responsibility for the deaths, stating that it continues to restrict the entry of tents, heating materials, and reconstruction equipment, despite the ceasefire that came into effect on October 10th.
The Office called on the international community, the United Nations (UN), and humanitarian organizations to urgently provide safe shelters, heating, and unhindered humanitarian assistance in order to prevent further loss of life.
