Conditions in Gaza deteriorate due to harsh weather conditions

Four Palestinians have been killed and at least five others injured in a series of incidents involving collapsing walls in Gaza City. The victims were found to be living in flimsy tents, which were erected as temporary shelters for those displaced by the ongoing conflict.

According to authorities at al-Shifa Hospital, three members of one family – 72-year-old Mohammed Hamouda, his 15-year-old granddaughter, and his daughter-in-law – were killed when an eight-metre high wall collapsed onto their tent. A second woman was also killed in a separate incident involving a collapsing wall.

The Gaza Health Ministry has reported seven deaths attributed to hypothermia since the start of winter. Other victims include a one-year-old boy, a baby just seven days old, and a four-year-old girl.

UNICEF spokesperson James Elder stated that at least 100 children under the age of 18 have been killed in military operations, including drone and air attacks, tank shelling, and live ammunition since the truce began. He noted that these figures only account for incidents where sufficient details were compiled to warrant recording, and the true toll is expected to be higher.

The Israeli military reported exchanging fire with six people near its troops deployed in southern Gaza, killing at least two. The Gaza Health Ministry has also reported over 440 people killed by Israeli fire since the ceasefire came into effect.

Gaza’s population of over two million is struggling to cope with winter storms and cold temperatures due to shortages of humanitarian aid and a lack of temporary housing. Most residents are living in makeshift tents, which were erected after their homes were damaged or destroyed during the conflict.

Source: Al Jazeera