UNRWA: 7 infants dead in Gaza from cold weather
At least seven infants have died in Gaza due to cold weather and inadequate shelter, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) said Sunday.
Cold weather and lack of shelter are causing the deaths of newborns in Gaza. 7,700 newborns lack lifesaving care. To date, at least seven babies have reportedly died, UNRWA wrote on X.
Saying the World Health Organization (WHO) condemns a raid late last week by the Israeli army which put Kamal Adwan Hospital, the last functioning major health facility in northern Gaza, out of service, UNRWA noted that 50 attacks on or near the hospital have been verified since October 2024.
It added that the WHO continues to call for the release of the hospital’s director, Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya.
The Israeli army has continued a genocidal war on Gaza that has killed more than 45,800 people, mostly women and children, since a cross-border attack by the Palestinian group Hamas on Oct. 7, 2023, despite a UN Security Council resolution calling for an immediate cease-fire.
Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians have lost their homes as a result of more than 15 months of fighting in Gaza.
Displaced residents are living in tents that offer little protection against the cold and rain, with temperatures dropping below 10 degrees Celsius.
The Israeli authority responsible for Palestinian affairs, COGAT, said on X that it is working with international aid organizations such as Rahma Worldwide to provide residents with tents, blankets, warm clothing and hygiene products.
In November, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.
Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its deadly war on the enclave.
