Ankara: A newborn baby succumbed to severe cold in the Gaza Strip amidst challenging weather conditions in the conflict-stricken region, the Health Ministry announced Tuesday. The infant, identified as two-week-old Muhammad Khalil Abu al-Khair, passed away on Monday due to hypothermia.

According to Anadolu Agency, the newborn had been receiving treatment in the intensive care unit since Sunday. The recent harsh weather has exacerbated the already dire living conditions in Gaza, where a winter storm claimed the lives of at least 14 people last week. The storm also resulted in significant damage, with over 53,000 displacement tents either partially or completely flooded, destroyed by torrents, or torn apart by strong winds. Additionally, 13 buildings collapsed across the region.

The situation is further compounded by Israel's ongoing blockade on the entry of essential shelter materials, such as tents and mobile homes. This blockade contravenes the obligations outlined in a ceasefire agreement that was supposed to take effect on October 10. Since October 2023, Israeli actions have resulted in the deaths of nearly 70,700 people, predominantly women and children, and left over 171,000 injured, reducing the enclave to ruins.