Winter and genocide killing Gaza’s children
Infant dies from freezing conditions as teenager shot and trampled by Israeli forces
GAZA STRIP, Palestine (MNTV) — Gaza’s displaced population is facing a dual humanitarian and security crisis, with an eight-month-old infant, Rahaf Abu Jazar, succumbing to extreme cold in southern Gaza and 16-year-old Zaher Nasser Shamia shot and killed by Israeli forces before being trampled by a tank, Anadolu reports.
The incidents highlight the extreme vulnerability of children amid worsening winter conditions, repeated aid blockades, and ongoing ethnic cleansing of Palestinians with complete international impunity, despite a shaky ceasefire in place.
The broader security crisis has compounded the humanitarian emergency. Witnesses reported that 16-year-old Zaher Nasser Shamia from Jabalia refugee camp was shot by Israeli forces and crushed by a tank.
Recovery efforts at Al-Shifa Medical Complex have uncovered mass graves, including 30 bodies recently recovered, with more than 300 people buried in previous operations. Since the ceasefire on 11 October 2025, at least 379 Palestinians have been killed and 992 wounded.
The ongoing genocide has left over 241,000 Palestinians dead or injured, most of them women and children, with more than 11,000 still unaccounted for. Hundreds of thousands remain displaced, and famine continues to take a heavy toll, especially on children.
Munir al-Bursh, head of Gaza’s Health Ministry, confirmed Rahaf Abu Jazar’s death, warning that children, the elderly, and patients are at heightened risk as temperatures plunge and flooding spreads through makeshift displacement camps.
Officials report severe hypothermia, respiratory deterioration, and heightened risk of infections due to waterlogged tents and lack of medical care, after 2 years of genocide by Israel.
Gaza’s Civil Defense described entire camps being submerged by rain, including areas in Khan Yunis, Deir al-Balah, Nuseirat, and the Port (al-Mina) region.
Heavy rainfall has destroyed hundreds of tents, leaving displaced families exposed to cold, flooding, and shortages of food and shelter.
Mahmoud Basal, Civil Defense spokesperson, said over 2,500 distress calls were received in 24 hours as dozens of tents were evacuated in Rafah and other war-torn areas.
The polar low-pressure system impacting Gaza since Wednesday has turned thousands of tents into waterlogged shelters, soaking bedding and essential supplies.
Humanitarian assessments indicate that around 300,000 tents or prefabricated units are needed to meet basic shelter requirements, with UN estimates placing Gaza’s reconstruction cost at $70 billion following two years of conflict-related devastation.
These events underscore the combined threats of conflict and harsh winter conditions for Gaza’s displaced population.
With over 250,000 families living in temporary shelters, authorities and humanitarian groups emphasize the urgent need for international intervention to prevent further loss of life and address critical shelter, health, and food shortages.
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