Gaza death toll surpasses 70,000 as severe cold claims infant lives

GAZA, Dec. 16 (YPA) – The Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza Strip announced on Tuesday a harrowing update to the casualties of the ongoing Israeli aggression since October 7, 2023.

According to the ministry’s daily statistical report, hospital facilities across the Gaza Strip received the bodies of two deceased individuals and treated six injuries within the past 24 hours.

The report also highlighted a humanitarian tragedy involving the death of a two-week-old infant, Mohammad Khalil Abu al-Khair. Medical officials stated the infant died yesterday in intensive care due to a severe drop in body temperature (hypothermia) caused by extreme cold weather conditions, two days after his initial admission to the hospital.

Regarding the period following the ceasefire on October 11, 2025, the ministry disclosed that 393 deaths and 1,074 injuries have been recorded, while the bodies of 634 previously missing individuals have been recovered.

The Ministry further noted that the final death toll remains uncertain, as numerous victims are still trapped under rubble or located on roadsides. Emergency medical teams and civil defense crews remain unable to reach these areas due to ongoing logistical and security challenges.

YPA