Gaza babies die from hypothermia at 7°C amid war with Israel

As the conflict in Gaza continues in its second year, the harsh winter conditions are exacerbating an already dire humanitarian crisis. Temperatures have recently plummeted below 7 degrees Celsius at night, making survival increasingly difficult for the forcibly displaced population. In just a week of cold weather enveloping Gaza, six babies across the enclave have died from hypothermia, reports Al Jazeera.

Gaza's Humanitarian Toll

The relentless Israeli airstrikes and ground operations have resulted in over 45,500 fatalities in Gaza, predominantly among women and children. Many families have been forced into makeshift shelters that offer little protection against the elements.

Dr Mimi Sayed, an American emergency physician volunteering at Al-Aqsa Hospital, told NBC News that in just one week, three newborns died due to exposure to the cold and lack of adequate food supplies.

Local health officials are alarmed by the rising number of hypothermia cases among infants. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has confirmed that at least seven infants have died from hypothermia in recent weeks.

Understanding Hypothermia

Hypothermia occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it, leading to a dangerously low core temperature. The human body typically maintains a stable core temperature around 37°C (98.6°F). However, when this temperature drops below 35°C (95°F), hypothermia sets in.

Infants are particularly susceptible to this condition because they generate less body heat than adults.

Prolonged exposure to cold temperatures can weaken their immune systems, making them more vulnerable to illnesses such as pneumonia and diarrhoea.

Symptoms of Hypothermia

Hypothermia manifests in stages, with symptoms varying according to severity. In the initial phase, the body loses heat through the skin, with wind or water exacerbating this loss.

Blood vessels constrict to conserve heat, causing extremities like fingers and toes to feel cold and numb. Shivering begins as the body attempts to generate heat, accompanied by increased heart rate and breathing.

Mild confusion, clumsiness, and fatigue may also occur as the cold impacts brain function.

As exposure continues, the body enters moderate hypothermia when shivering ceases due to depleted energy reserves. Heart rate and breathing slow further as metabolism declines, leading to a dangerous cycle of heat loss.

In severe cases, internal temperatures drop significantly, resulting in unconsciousness and disrupted heart rhythms that can lead to cardiac arrest. Without prompt medical intervention, vital functions may fail completely, resulting in death.

Current Temperatures in Gaza

In late December 2024, daytime temperatures in Gaza ranged from approximately 19°C to 20°C, while nighttime lows fell between 11°C and 12°C. However, for those living in tents, these temperatures feel much colder due to heavy rains and strong winds.

With limited access to fuel, electricity, or gas heaters due to stringent restrictions imposed by Israel, many residents are resorting to cutting down trees for firewood to stay warm and prepare food. The situation is further complicated by days of heavy rain that has caused flooding at makeshift shelters, overwhelming the displacement sites.

Winter for Displaced Palestinian Families

Winter in Gaza is particularly harsh for those displaced by the ongoing conflict. Average low temperatures can drop to about 9°C during January, with daytime highs nearing 18°C. Although snowfall is rare in Gaza, the combination of rain and cold can create an unbearable living situation for many families.

The United Nations has reported that children are dying due to a lack of protection from cold winter temperatures while Israeli authorities continue to block humanitarian access. As winter progresses, the urgent need for shelter and other forms of assistance becomes increasingly critical.