Six Palestinian Infants Die Due to Cold in Gaza as Israel Continues to Block Shelters From Entering

At least six Palestinian infants have died in Gaza due to a cold spell as Israel continues to largely block the entrance of tents and mobile homes into the Strip despite agreeing to do so as part of the hostage and ceasefire deal.

According to Al Jazeera, Gaza’s Civil Defense recorded the death of six newborn babies due to the cold and lack of heating over the past week. Dr. Saeed Salah, director of the Patient’s Friends Benevolent Society Hospital in Gaza City, said his facility had received eight cases of severe hypothermia, which required intensive care.

Hospitals are also struggling to deal with the cases due to Israel’s war on Gaza’s medical infrastructure. “We appeal to the relevant authorities to provide caravans, tents, and fuel to ensure warmth for people and protect children, especially with the arrival of a new low-pressure system,” Dr. Salah said.

Hamas said in a statement that the deaths were the result of Israel’s “criminal” policies and called for pressure on Israel to allow the entry of more shelters into Gaza and other humanitarian aid. Thousands of mobile homes are still stranded at the Rafah border crossing, awaiting permission from Israel to enter Gaza.

According to Middle East Eye, a medical official said 35,000 families in Gaza are facing severe shortages of basic supplies, including blankets, tents, and heating devices.

The deaths due to the cold in Gaza come amid uncertainty over whether the hostage and ceasefire deal will continue to hold as the first phase will expire on Saturday. Israel has also continued to violate the truce by bombing and shooting Palestinians, killing more than 100 since the ceasefire went into effect on January 19.