By Quds News Network
Gaza (QNN)- A newborn baby has died in Gaza due to extreme cold, amid harsh winter conditions and worsening humanitarian suffering as Israel continues its blockade.
Gaza’s Ministry of Health announced on Tuesday the death of two-week-old baby Mohammed Khalil Abu al-Khair. The baby died from a sharp drop in body temperature caused by severe cold.
The ministry said the infant arrived at hospital two days earlier and was admitted to intensive care. He died on Monday despite medical efforts.
Heavy rainfall has flooded large numbers of displacement tents across Gaza, especially in low-lying areas. Thousands of families now face extreme conditions without proper shelter, heating, or protection.
Health Ministry Director General Munir al-Boursh previously warned of rising deaths among infants, the elderly, and sick people due to cold exposure inside flooded tents. He said water and humidity inside shelters create ideal conditions for respiratory diseases. Many patients cannot access medical care.
On Monday, the United Nations said Israel continues to obstruct the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza despite severe winter conditions. The UN warned of a growing risk of newborns freezing to death.
UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq said UN teams and partners continue efforts to deliver aid to the most vulnerable families. He noted that humanitarian needs still exceed response capacity due to ongoing Israeli restrictions.
Haq said recent heavy rain and freezing temperatures have worsened conditions. He confirmed increased risks of hypothermia among newborns. Aid teams are distributing special kits to prevent freezing.
Over the past week, aid agencies distributed 3,800 tents and 4,600 tarpaulins. Relief packages also include basic food and hygiene supplies. However, Haq said partners were forced to scale back assistance since Friday due to access restrictions.
The UN is also working to create temporary learning spaces for 5,000 children. Haq stressed that efforts remain limited because Israel blocks the entry of educational materials.
Last Thursday, Gaza health officials confirmed the death of another infant, Rahaf Abu Jazar, in Khan Younis. She died from cold exposure after rainwater flooded her family’s tent.
Since Wednesday, thousands of tents sheltering survivors of Israel’s genocide have turned into pools of water. Mattresses, clothes, and food were destroyed. Hundreds of families remain exposed to the cold without adequate shelter.
Most displaced people live in worn-out tents. The government media office said in September that 93 percent of tents are no longer fit for use. That equals 125,000 tents out of 135,000.
Although the ceasefire began on October 10, living conditions in Gaza have not improved. Israel continues to restrict aid trucks, violating the humanitarian protocol of the agreement.
Over nearly two years, Israeli attacks damaged or destroyed tens of thousands of tents. Many were hit directly by airstrikes. Others deteriorated due to extreme summer heat and harsh winter storms.
The ceasefire ended a war that began on October 8, 2023. The genocide killed more than 70,000 Palestinians, wounded over 171,000, and destroyed 90 percent of Gaza’s civilian infrastructure. Initial damage estimates exceed $70 billion.
17 December 2025
Source: countercurrents.org