Six Babies Die from Cold in Gaza Amid Tent Shelters and Rubble/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ At least six infants have died from hypothermia in Gaza as hundreds of thousands live in makeshift shelters and war-damaged buildings amid freezing temperatures. Despite a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, shortages of blankets, fuel, and warm clothing persist. Aid deliveries focus on food, with little available to combat the cold.
Gaza Cold Crisis Quick Looks
- Six infants die from hypothermia in two weeks; total of 15 child deaths this winter
- Temperatures drop below 10°C (50°F) with wet, stormy conditions
- Hundreds of thousands displaced in tents, rubble, and unheated shelters
- No central electricity in Gaza; fuel and firewood are scarce
- Ceasefire set to expire Saturday; humanitarian aid may dwindle if fighting resumes
- Gaza Health Ministry: Over 48,000 Palestinians killed in the conflict, mostly women and children
- Israel blames Hamas’ military infrastructure in civilian areas for the destruction
Six Babies Die from Cold in Gaza Amid Tent Shelters and Rubble
Deep Look
DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip — Six babies have died from hypothermia over the past two weeks in Gaza, where hundreds of thousands are sheltering in makeshift tents and the ruins of buildings during a fragile ceasefire, Palestinian medics said Tuesday.
As temperatures plunge below 10°C (50°F) at night, families are forced to huddle on cold concrete or damp sand with minimal protection from the cold, wind, and rain sweeping in from the Mediterranean Sea.
“It’s incredibly cold,” said Rosalia Bollen, spokesperson for UNICEF. “I have no clue how people can sleep at night in their makeshift tents.”
A Deadly Chill for Gaza’s Youngest
Dr. Ahmed al-Farah at Nasser Hospital reported receiving the body of a 2-month-old girl Tuesday. Two other infants arrived with frostbite, one of whom has since been discharged.
In Gaza City, five more infants—aged one month or younger—died from the cold, according to Saeed Saleh of the Patient’s Friends Hospital. Another child remains on a ventilator.
The Gaza Health Ministry confirmed 15 child deaths from hypothermia so far this winter.
Ceasefire Offers Little Relief
- While the 16-month war between Israel and Hamas has paused under a ceasefire, basic necessities remain scarce:
- Food aid has increased, but blankets, warm clothing, and fuel remain limited
- No central electricity since early in the conflict
- Families burn debris for warmth despite health risks
“We need more than food. People are freezing,” said Dr. al-Farah.
Aid Flows at Risk as Ceasefire Nears Expiration
The current ceasefire expires Saturday, with uncertainty looming over its extension. If fighting resumes, humanitarian aid—already insufficient—may be further restricted.
The World Bank estimates Gaza’s reconstruction will cost over $50 billion, with years needed just to clear the rubble.
“Even if the truce holds, rebuilding will take years. Right now, people just need warmth,” said Bollen.
Blame Game Over Gaza’s Destruction
Israel blames Hamas for the widespread devastation, citing the group’s use of civilian areas for military operations. Hamas accuses Israel of delaying the entry of shelter supplies, a claim Israel denies.
Meanwhile, Hamas condemned Israel for halting the release of Palestinian prisoners, accusing the group of violating the ceasefire terms.
Human Cost of the War
The war, sparked by Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attack that killed about 1,200 people in Israel, has devastated Gaza:
- Over 48,000 Palestinians killed, mostly women and children, Gaza’s Health Ministry reports
- Israel claims 17,000 Hamas fighters killed but offers limited evidence
- 60+ hostages remain in Gaza, half believed dead
Israel says Hamas continues to threaten regional stability, while humanitarian groups emphasize the dire civilian toll.
“These children should not be dying from cold in 2025. We must act now,” urged Bollen.
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