December 30, 2024

Freezing to Death in Gaza

In the past week alone, at least five newborn babies have been found dead in their tents due to hypothermia. Discovered by their own family members upon waking, the deadly combination of cold weather, rain, and inadequate warmth is proving deadly for infants, due to Israel’s deliberate blockade of blankets, tents, and other supplies.

Newborns are not the only Palestinians dying of hypothermia. Earlier this week, Dr. Ahmad Al-Zaharneh was found martyred in his tent after failing to report to work at the European Gaza Hospital and Red Cross field hospital, having been stationed at both as a rotating member of the medical staff.

Other incidents of Palestinians dying due to cold and wet living conditions have been reported since temperatures have dropped in recent weeks. Reports increased after the onset of rain and flooding that has left tents and blankets soaking wet, exacerbating the cold and making it impossible for displaced Palestinians to warm themselves late at night when temperatures are lowest.

How easily preventable are these deaths? More so than almost any deaths on the planet: On the other side of the fence, mere kilometers way, sit hundreds of trucks ready to deliver dry blankets, tents, and other supplies that would ensure the survival of the hundreds of thousands of Palestinians who remain living in the displacement tents after losing their homes to Israel’s genocidal bombing campaign.

World governments and international institutions have failed profoundly in their proclaimed mission to end manmade, preventable mass death. Yet the ability to stop these nightmares remains in their hands: one demand, and coordinated pressure that could see to its achievement in less than a day.

LIFT THE SIEGE ON GAZA NOW!