GAZA CITY: Displaced residents in the Gaza Strip are facing severe hardship as a harsh winter approaches, compounding the challenges posed by an ongoing Israeli offensive. The lack of adequate shelter and heating resources is putting vulnerable populations, particularly newborns and young children, at significant risk.

According to Qatar News Agency, the residents are enduring freezing temperatures in makeshift tents, with limited access to heating powered by electricity or gas. The harsh weather conditions have already claimed the lives of five newborns, as confirmed by Gaza's Ministry of Health. Additionally, a nurse was found dead from hypothermia in Al-Mawasi, highlighting the grave threat posed by both war and winter.

The government media office in Gaza reported that the death toll from hypothermia has reached seven, warning that the number could rise as displaced individuals continue to face extreme conditions. Residents in refugee camps, particularly in the southern and central regions of Gaza, are struggling to find adequate protection from the cold.

Dr. Said Salah, Director of the Patient's Friends Benevolent Society Hospital, expressed grave concerns about the deteriorating health conditions in Gaza. He emphasized the urgent need for heating sources and medical supplies, noting that the number of children requiring hospital care has surged recently due to hypothermia and respiratory illnesses. The shortage of medical equipment and disruptions to healthcare facilities are exacerbating the crisis.

The combination of conflict and cold is creating a dire situation for Gaza's displaced population, with immediate intervention required to prevent further loss of life and suffering. The ongoing challenges highlight the urgent need for humanitarian support and solutions to address the critical needs of those affected by the conflict.