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Rabat – In addition to the merciless attacks of the Israeli Occupation Forces, displaced Palestinians who fled their homes with minimal belongings are facing additional hardships as winter arrives in Gaza.
In what is predicted to be a dire winter in the besieged strip, Norwegian physician Mads Gilbert warned of an escalating risk of deadly hypothermia among the already vulnerable population.
Gilbert, who has previously worked in the besieged enclave, expressed deep concern about the impending “unbearable avalanche of human suffering” expected to be exacerbated by the combination of winter cold, wind, and precipitation.
The risk of hypothermia is overwhelmingly dangerous, especially for “those who are small and those who are already starving or sick – which a large portion of the people are,” he explained.
He stressed that small children are particularly at high risk, as their bodies can quickly succumb to the cold. When the body’s temperature drops below 35 degrees Celsius, hypothermia sets in.
“This weakens the body, weakens the immune system, and if there is a bleeding injury, causes bleeding to occur more quickly. Hypothermia is a death trap,” the physician said.
Al Jazeera’s Hani Mahmoud, reporting from Rafah in southern Gaza, highlighted the lack of preparedness among the displaced population for the looming cold weather.
“They are totally unprepared for the cold weather. No blankets, no heating, and no suitable clothing,” Mahmoud said. With heavy rainfall expected in the coming days, the situation is becoming increasingly difficult for those without adequate shelter, he added.
The shortage of medical supplies and sanitation worsens the vulnerability of the population, leaving them at heightened risk of winter-related illnesses.
“We’re looking at many children who are getting sick,” Mahmoud said, emphasizing the lack of medication to treat even common colds or flu.
