Ceasefire Efforts Continue as Baby Freezes to Death Overnight in Gaza

A 3-week-old baby girl in Gaza froze to death overnight, becoming the third infant to die from hypothermia in recent days amid the ongoing conflict. The baby, identified as Sila, died in a tent camp in Muwasi, an area near Khan Younis, where hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians are enduring harsh conditions, with winter temperatures dropping to 9°C (48°F). Aid groups have warned of severe shortages in food, warm clothing, blankets, and firewood, exacerbating the suffering of those displaced by Israel’s military offensive.

Sila’s father, Mahmoud al-Faseeh, explained how he tried to keep her warm in their unsealed tent, but despite his efforts, the cold was too much to bear. Doctors at Nasser Hospital confirmed the baby died from hypothermia, joining two other infants who had perished in similar conditions in the last 48 hours.

As humanitarian conditions worsen, efforts for a ceasefire remain stalled, with Israel and Hamas accusing each other of complicating negotiations. Talks had shown signs of progress regarding a potential deal for the return of hostages, but disagreements over the withdrawal of Israeli troops and other conditions have delayed any breakthrough. Meanwhile, Gaza’s health ministry reports that over 45,000 Palestinians have died in the conflict, with more than half of them women and children.