At Least Seven, Including Six Infants, Die from Hypothermia in Gaza Amid Israeli Siege
Hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians are enduring freezing conditions in makeshift shelters, many of which are poorly equipped to withstand winter weather.
The United Nations has accused Israel of systematically obstructing humanitarian aid and dismantling essential systems for survival in Gaza.
UN agencies estimate that approximately 1.6 million people are living in temporary shelters, with nearly half a million residing in flood-prone areas.
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Gaza's Civil Defense agency reported on Tuesday receiving hundreds of distress calls from displaced families whose tents and temporary shelters were inundated with rainwater.
In a statement shared on Telegram, the agency explained, “Our crews can only evacuate citizens from their damaged shelters to other places that are mostly unsuitable to shelter, and they remain in the open – under the rain and bitter cold.”
The agency highlighted urgent needs in central Gaza City, al-Mawasi, Khan Younis, Rafah, and western Deir el-Balah. It appealed for immediate assistance to relocate affected families to secure shelters.
Meanwhile, the Palestinian Meteorological Department has forecasted further rain and thunderstorms across Gaza, with cold to very cold temperatures persisting. Emergency teams have already reported flooding across southern and central regions following overnight downpours.
Wafa News Agency cited meteorological reports predicting an improvement in weather conditions by Wednesday, with cloud cover expected to begin clearing.
Hamas appeals for international aid
Hamas has called on the United Nations and Muslim-majority nations to provide emergency relief supplies and winter shelters.
In its appeal, the group stated, “The humanitarian and legal duty of the international community and the UN requires urgent action to provide relief to our people in the Gaza Strip, who have been subjected to a Zionist crime of genocide and ethnic cleansing.”
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As the lack of relief supplies is costing lives in the besieged Gaza Strip, the UN's humanitarian agency, OCHA, says the Israeli regime is systematically obstructing humanitarian access and dismantling essential services
“OCHA emphasizes that it should not require breaking a siege to help survivors in critical need. Aid workers must be granted safe and unhindered access to assist people wherever they are,” it said.
“OCHA stresses that humanitarian access remains systematically hindered across the Gaza Strip. In the past three days, over 60 percent of the 42 UN-coordinated movements were denied, interfered with or impeded on the ground,” it added.
Source: Agencies
