Six Newborn Babies In Gaza Died Of Heavy Flu

Gaza/DOK UNRWA Refugees

JAKARTA - Dr. Saeed Saleh, a health official at the Patient's Friends Benevolent Society Hospital (PFBS) said six newborns died in Gaza due to severe flu.

Saleh said that in the last two weeks, eight newborns were treated for the flu, six of whom later died.

The hospital highlights the terrible living conditions facing Palestinians, who currently live in tents and houses hit by bombs, without protection from the freezing temperatures currently hitting the Middle East.

Health officials at the hospital called on mediators in the conflict between Israel and the militant group Hamas to immediately provide the car's home as a temporary shelter for more than 280,000 families who lost their homes following Israeli airstrikes.

They also called for fuel delivery to ensure warmth and protect children from bad weather conditions.

Israel and Hamas agreed to a ceasefire in Gaza on January 19 to end the conflict that lasted nearly 16 months and allow the release of Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.

However, the ceasefire was fragile as both sides accused each other of committing violations.

Last week, Hamas threatened to delay the release of the hostages scheduled after Hamas said Israel had postponed the promise of entering a car house into the destroyed territory.

Hamas blamed the newborn's death for Israel's "criminal policy" and accused Israel of obstructing humanitarian aid.

Israel did not immediately comment on reports of the death of the newborn. They have consistently denied limiting aid.

International aid officials ensure aid entry to Gaza despite logistical issues, but they warn more aid is needed.

A cross-border Hamas attack on October 7, 2023 killed about 1,200 people in southern Israel, according to Israeli tallies.

Israel's retaliatory attacks on Gaza have killed more than 48,000 Palestinians, according to Palestinian health officials, destroyed most of the enclave, and displaced hundreds of thousands of people.