DaysofPal – Gaza’s Ministry of Health announced on Tuesday the death of a two-week-old infant, Mohammed Khalil Abu Al-Khair, from severe hypothermia caused by extreme cold, underscoring the harsh conditions facing residents across the enclave due to a severe weather system.
The ministry reported that the newborn had been admitted to intensive care two days earlier but tragically passed away yesterday.
The extreme weather has also caused widespread flooding of displacement tents across low-lying areas of Gaza, worsening the plight of thousands of families already enduring severe humanitarian conditions in the aftermath of Israel’s assault on the territory.
Earlier, Munir Al-Barsh, Director-General of Gaza’s Ministry of Health, had warned that children, the elderly, and patients are at high risk of death from low temperatures in the rain-soaked tents of displaced families.
Al-Barsh also cautioned that damp conditions inside the flooded shelters are creating a breeding ground for respiratory illnesses among displaced populations, while patients remain largely unable to access medical care.
The death of infant Abu Al-Khair highlights the urgent need for safer, weather-resistant housing solutions for Gaza’s vulnerable populations, as harsh winter conditions compound the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
In related developments, Gaza’s Civil Defence reported injuries resulting from the collapse of a war-damaged home on al-Shifa Street, west of Gaza City.
A spokesperson for Gaza Municipality called for international pressure on Israel to open crossings and allow the entry of humanitarian aid.
Mamdouh Bassal, a civil defense official, warned that thousands of homes partially destroyed during Israel’s assault are at risk of collapsing at any moment due to heavy rain and strong winds.
He told Anadolu Agency, “These homes pose a serious threat to the lives of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians who have no shelter. We have repeatedly warned the world, but to no avail.”
During the first storm, official data indicated that at least 13 war-damaged buildings collapsed on residents seeking refuge from the rain and cold, exposing the deadly vulnerability of Gaza’s civilian population.
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