Instant Insight

30-Second Take

• A fourth infant has died of hypothermia in the Gaza Strip, highlighting the dire conditions faced by displaced Palestinian families.
• Families are living in torn tents near landfills, struggling with cold, rain, and a lack of resources.
• The crisis is exacerbated by severe housing destruction and limited access to basic necessities like clean water and sanitation.

Quick Brief

2-Minute Digest

Essential Context

The Gaza Strip is grappling with a severe humanitarian crisis following nearly 15 months of war between Israel and Hamas. Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians are displaced, living in precarious conditions as winter sets in.

Core Players

• Palestinian displaced families – Primary victims of the humanitarian crisis.
• UNICEF and EU – Key organizations providing humanitarian aid to Gaza.
• Israeli and Hamas authorities – Central to the conflict causing the displacement.

Key Numbers

• 4 – Infants who have died of hypothermia in recent weeks.
• 45,000+ – Palestinians killed in the conflict, over half of whom are women and children.
• 90% – Percentage of Gaza’s 2.3 million population displaced.
• 70% – Percentage of homes in Gaza destroyed or severely damaged.

Full Depth

Complete Coverage

The Catalyst

The ongoing war between Israel and Hamas, which began after deadly attacks by Hamas militants on October 7, 2023, has led to widespread destruction and displacement in the Gaza Strip.

This conflict has resulted in over 45,000 Palestinian deaths, with more than half being women and children, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.

Inside Forces

Displaced families are living in harsh conditions, with many residing in torn tents near landfills. These tents offer little protection against the cold and rain, forcing families to rely on thin blankets and plastic for warmth.

Overcrowding in shelters exacerbates the difficult living conditions, particularly affecting young children and vulnerable populations like pregnant women and the elderly.

Power Dynamics

The humanitarian response is hindered by limited access to resources such as clean water, sanitation facilities, and medical care. Organizations like UNICEF and EU partners are working to provide essential services, including water tanks, hygiene kits, and mobile latrines.

Despite these efforts, the scarcity of resources and the dire living conditions continue to pose significant health risks, including hypothermia and preventable diseases.

Outside Impact

The crisis in Gaza has broader implications, affecting regional stability and international humanitarian efforts. The blockade imposed by Israel further complicates the delivery of aid and exacerbates the living conditions of displaced families.

Aid groups and international organizations face significant challenges in delivering food, supplies, and medical care due to the ongoing conflict and blockade.

Future Forces

The immediate need is for urgent humanitarian aid to address the critical shortages of blankets, warm clothing, and firewood. Long-term solutions involve rebuilding infrastructure, restoring access to basic services, and ensuring sustainable living conditions for displaced families.

Efforts to improve sanitation, provide clean water, and enhance healthcare are crucial for mitigating the humanitarian crisis and preventing further deaths from hypothermia and related health issues.

Data Points

• October 7, 2023: Deadly attacks by Hamas militants trigger the Israel-Hamas war.
• December 2024: Four infants have died of hypothermia in the Gaza Strip.
• 20,000+ people in Rafah and Khan Younis benefited from UNICEF’s distribution of water tanks and hygiene kits.
• 275,000 people in Rafah, including 140,250 children, benefit from UNICEF’s support for wastewater treatment.
• 90,000 individuals, including 46,000 children, benefited from UNICEF’s water and sanitation support in Rafah and Der Al Balah.