GAZA CITY: Seven displaced civilians, including six children, have succumbed to the extreme winter cold in Gaza, where many are living in tents under dire conditions due to ongoing Israeli military actions. The fatalities highlight the severe humanitarian crisis in the region, exacerbated by the harsh winter weather and relentless conflict.
According to Anadolu Agency, Ismail Thawabteh, head of Gaza's government media office, reported on Monday that the frigid temperatures have claimed the lives of six children and a nurse over recent days. Thawabteh expressed concerns that the death toll might increase if the current conditions persist, as relentless Israeli attacks continue to batter the area. The situation poses a significant threat to the lives of displaced Palestinians, who are enduring heavy rainfall and cold waves in worn-out tents offering little protection from the elements.
The Gaza Strip has been grappling with a severe cold wave and torrential rains since Sunday, compounding the suffering of its 2.3 million residents. Many displaced individuals are residing in makeshift shelters as temperatures plummet, lacking essential items such as clothing, bedding, and blankets. This lack of resources has left many infants particularly susceptible to the cold.
The United Nations reports that nine out of every ten people in Gaza have been displaced due to ongoing Israeli military actions. Thawabteh has attributed the deteriorating humanitarian situation to the actions of the United States, Israel, and their allies, urging the international community and aid organizations to take immediate action to pressure Israel to halt what he described as 'genocidal war' against Gaza and to protect civilian lives.
Since a Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, Israeli military actions have resulted in over 45,500 deaths in Gaza, despite a United Nations Security Council resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire. The blockade imposed by Tel Aviv has left the entire population of the territory on the brink of famine.
In a significant development, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants in November for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, citing war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Gaza. Furthermore, Israel is currently facing a genocide case at the International Court of Justice related to its military activities in the enclave.