Sila, a 20-day-old infant in Gaza, tragically lost her life to hypothermia after enduring the harsh conditions of war-torn Gaza. Born in a British field hospital in Khan Younis, Sila’s family lived in an overcrowded tent in the al-Mawasi area, which lacked basic amenities and was plagued by cold weather and flooding. Despite the mother’s attempts to care for her newborn, the biting cold in the tent left her vulnerable to the deadly condition of hypothermia.
Sila is one of several newborns who have died due to extreme cold, as health authorities report an increase in cases among premature babies and those without sufficient warmth. The dire conditions in Gaza, aggravated by ongoing conflict and Israeli restrictions on aid, have led to many deaths from preventable causes. As the situation worsens, children continue to suffer from malnutrition, inadequate shelter, and the freezing temperatures.
Sila’s passing is a stark reminder of the inhumane conditions facing many families in Gaza, where the lack of proper infrastructure and aid has led to unnecessary suffering. UNICEF has raised alarms about these preventable deaths, emphasizing that the worsening conditions will lead to more fatalities if immediate action is not taken.
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