Three-week-old baby girl freezes to death in Gaza as Israeli airstrikes continue
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A three-week-old baby girl has died from hypothermia in Gaza as freezing conditions persist in overcrowded tent camps. Her death is one of several caused by the cold, with the situation compounded by ongoing airstrikes that have killed at least ten people, further complicating efforts to reach a ceasefire in the region's prolonged conflict.
The baby, the third child reported to have succumbed to the cold in recent days, was living in a tent in the Muwasi area near Khan Younis.
The makeshift camps, often consisting of inadequate shelters, have become especially vulnerable as winter sets in. Temperatures have dipped to 9°C (48°F), and shortages of blankets, warm clothing, and firewood persist despite international aid efforts.
In parallel to the humanitarian crisis, Israeli airstrikes have continued to target Gaza. Five people were killed, and 20 were injured in an airstrike on a house in Gaza City's Zeitoun neighbourhood. Many remain trapped under rubble, raising concerns that the death toll could rise. In another incident, five journalists were killed when a marked media van was struck near Al-Awda Hospital in Nuseirat. While Palestinian sources claim the vehicle was used for journalistic purposes, the Israeli military reported targeting it due to the presence of militants.
The ongoing bombardment and ground invasion have resulted in over 45,000 Palestinian deaths, with more than half reported to be women and children. The conflict has displaced 90% of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents, leaving many to seek refuge multiple times. The already challenging distribution of humanitarian aid is hindered by movement restrictions imposed by Israeli forces and rampant theft.
Although Israel has allowed increased aid into Gaza, with an average of 130 trucks per day entering the territory this month, the amount remains insufficient. The United Nations has reported that over half of the aid cannot be distributed due to operational constraints.
Amid the devastation, hopes for a ceasefire have grown increasingly fragile. Negotiations between Israel and Hamas have seen progress but remain stalled over disagreements about conditions for a deal. Key issues include the exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners and the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza. Hamas has accused Israel of introducing new demands, while Israel has accused Hamas of reneging on prior agreements.
The conflict, which escalated significantly following Hamas’ 7 October 2023 attack on southern Israel, has left approximately 100 hostages still in Gaza. Some hostages have been released or rescued during intermittent truce agreements, but the fate of others remains uncertain. Both sides continue to engage in sporadic negotiations, with international mediators playing a critical role in facilitating dialogue.