Palestinian infant dies from extreme cold in Gaza as winter-related child deaths reach 9

A seven-month-old Palestinian infant died Tuesday in Gaza City due to extreme cold, marking the ninth child fatality linked to harsh winter conditions in the Gaza Strip this season. The infant, Shatha Abu Jarad from the al-Daraj neighborhood, suffered cardiac arrest as a result of severe cold exposure, a medical source told Anadolu Agency.

Deepening Humanitarian Crisis Amid Inadequate Shelter

The death underscores the catastrophic living conditions facing displaced families in Gaza, where tens of thousands are sheltering in tents, damaged buildings, or overcrowded facilities without adequate heating, blankets, or winter clothing. The situation has been exacerbated by the destruction of housing and infrastructure during two years of conflict and a stringent Israeli blockade that restricts the entry of essential humanitarian supplies, including fuel and warm clothing.

Mounting Winter Death Toll and International Response

With at least nine children now reported dead from cold-related causes this winter, aid agencies have repeatedly warned of a growing public health emergency. The lack of proper shelter, combined with limited access to healthcare, clean water, and nutritious food, has left Gaza’s most vulnerable populations—particularly infants, children, and the elderly—at extreme risk. Despite a nominal ceasefire, humanitarian access remains heavily constrained, slowing the distribution of aid and winterization items.

Broader Implications for Gaza’s Survival

This tragic incident highlights the lethal intersection of conflict, displacement, and climate exposure in Gaza. As temperatures drop, the need for sustained humanitarian corridors, increased fuel supplies for heating, and the restoration of basic services becomes ever more urgent. The international community continues to call for unimpeded aid access and a long-term political solution, but on the ground, families remain trapped in a daily struggle for survival.