Gaza's Harsh Winter: A Fight for Survival

In Gaza, the winter season has brought more than just cold weather. It has brought a harsh reality for many, especially children. The Palestinian Health Ministry reports that ten children have lost their lives due to hypothermia since winter began. Just in the last day, a three-month-old baby died from the severe cold at Al Aqsa Martyrs hospital. Dr. Ahmad Al Faraa, head of pediatrics at Nasser Medical Complex, explains why children are most affected. Their bodies are not equipped to handle the cold like adults. They have less fat tissue, a larger surface area for heat loss, and low energy reserves. Premature and low birth weight infants are at the highest risk. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reports that hundreds of thousands of people are living in displacement sites. They are exposed to the cold and rainy winter conditions. Strong winds have damaged hundreds of tents in the last week alone.The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is severe. Philippe Lazzarini, head of the main UN agency in the Palestinian territories, describes the situation. He says that 92% of homes are damaged or destroyed. There are also massive quantities of unexploded bombs that still need to be cleared. Amid heavy winter rains, 24 people have been killed when their homes collapsed. Dr. Munir Al-Barsh, Director General of the Health Ministry, reports that bodies weakened by hunger, lack of medicines, and contaminated water have led to widespread disease outbreaks. Malnutrition is a significant issue, especially among pregnant women. Dr. Al Faraa explains that most babies are born with low birth weights. This is due to mothers' malnutrition during pregnancy, anxiety, psychological stress, lack of prenatal care, and a lack of vitamins and nutritional supplements. The Israeli military continues its actions against alleged militants along the Yellow Line. This line divides Israeli-controlled areas from those controlled by Hamas. The Israel Defense Forces report that troops in the northern Gaza Strip killed several terrorists. These terrorists had crossed the Yellow Line, planted an explosive device, and approached the troops.