The freezing temperatures in Gaza have claimed the life of a fourth infant as hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians endure harsh winter conditions in makeshift tents.
Jomaa al-Batran, a 20-day-old premature baby, was found lifeless on Sunday morning in a tent his family shares on Gaza’s rain-soaked coastline. His twin brother, Ali, remains in critical condition at Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital. The family, unable to provide sufficient warmth with only four blankets shared among eight people, described the tragic scene.
“Our baby was cold as ice when we woke up,” said the grieving father, Yehia al-Batran, cradling his deceased son’s body. “The medics told us to keep the twins warm, but it’s impossible in a tent where the temperature drops so low at night.”
Local health authorities have confirmed the deaths of three other infants due to hypothermia in recent weeks, highlighting the desperate conditions for displaced families.
Woman killed in West Bank amid rising tensions
In the West Bank city of Jenin, 22-year-old Shatha al-Sabbagh was fatally shot inside her home on Saturday night. The Palestinian Authority blamed “outlaws,” but al-Sabbagh’s family accused Palestinian security forces of targeting her.
The incident has further strained the credibility of the Palestinian Authority, which has faced mounting criticism for its cooperation with Israeli forces. Hamas has alleged that al-Sabbagh’s death is part of broader repression by the Authority.
Later on Sunday, demonstrations in Jenin organized by Fatah sought to show support for the Palestinian security forces.
Israeli report details abuse of Gaza hostages
The Israeli Health Ministry has published findings alleging severe abuse of hostages held in Gaza during the war. The report, based on testimonies from over 100 released hostages, cites instances of physical, psychological, and sexual abuse.
The allegations could escalate international pressure on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to reach a ceasefire and secure the release of the remaining hostages. Diplomatic efforts reportedly show signs of progress, though the conflict continues unabated.
Israeli airstrikes intensify in Gaza
On Sunday, an Israeli strike on Wafa Hospital in Gaza City killed seven people, with the military claiming the site served as a Hamas command center. Another strike in central Gaza killed eight and injured over 15, according to Al-Awda Hospital officials.
Meanwhile, rockets launched from northern Gaza into Israel injured three people as they rushed to shelters.
Humanitarian conditions in Gaza continue to deteriorate, with over 45,000 Palestinians killed since the conflict began, according to local health officials. Displacement, hunger, and restricted aid deliveries have worsened the crisis for Gaza’s 2.3 million residents.
The devastating impacts of the ongoing war underscore the urgent need for a resolution as both sides endure unrelenting suffering.
