UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini warned that babies in Gaza are “freezing to death” amid cold weather and a severe shortage of shelter. He highlighted that basic winter supplies like blankets and mattresses have not been allowed into Gaza for months.
Gaza has been under heavy Israeli bombardment and a tight blockade for over a year, creating dire humanitarian conditions. With winter setting in, the lack of adequate shelter and essential goods puts lives at extreme risk—particularly for infants.
Critical shortages: Lazzarini called for an immediate cease-fire and urgent delivery of winter necessities, including blankets, clothing, and heating materials.
Harsh conditions: Many displaced Gazans live in makeshift tents of fabric and plastic, with no access to proper insulation against the cold.
Rising toll: In the past five days alone, five people—including four infants—have died due to cold weather, according to local reports.
Babies in Gaza 'freezing to death,' UNRWA warns
DEIR AL BALAH, GAZA - DECEMBER 27: Palestinian children try to protect themselves from the cold weather by lighting a fire as Palestinians, who left their homes and took shelter in the Gaza Strip's Deir al-Balah city due to Israeli attacks, are trying to provide water and food supplies to their children, while also struggling with cold weather conditions in the makeshift tents they stay in Deir al-Balah, Gaza on December 27, 2024. The humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip is increasing due to the attacks of the Israeli army.
( Ashraf Amra - Anadolu Agency )
Babies in Gaza 'freezing to death,' UNRWA warns
A Palestinian girl rests on the debris of a destroyed building west of Gaza City, on November 25, 2024, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. (AFP Photo)
Israeli Cabinet to vote on US-backed Lebanon cease-fire proposal
People dig channels to ease flooding at a camp for displaced Palestinians in al-Zaywayda in the central Gaza Strip on November 26, 2024, amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas. - With so many of the displaced often living in tent camps, the coming winter which brings with it much lower temperatures and heavy rain is a serious cause for concern. (Photo by BASHAR TALEB / AFP)
Babies in Gaza 'freezing to death,' UNRWA warns
Palestinian children look through a makeshift tent as forcibly displaced Palestinians taking refuge in tents struggle with harsh weather conditions of approaching winter in Khan Yunis, Gaza on November 24, 2024. (AA Photo)
Zoom in
Humanitarian agencies stress that without immediate relief, the toll could rise, as the most vulnerable populations—infants, the elderly, and the sick—are unable to survive under such extreme conditions.
Zoom out
The ongoing blockade and bombardment of Gaza have compounded existing struggles with poverty and displacement. International observers continue to call for an end to the violence and unrestricted access to humanitarian aid to prevent further fatalities.
Newsletters
4 min read
1 min read
