Gaza Winter Crisis Deepens as Ceasefire Holds; Health System Struggles Amid Fuel Shortages
Table of Contents
- 1. Gaza Winter Crisis Deepens as Ceasefire Holds; Health System Struggles Amid Fuel Shortages
- 2. Breaking developments
- 3. Global responses and legal developments
- 4. On-the-ground reality: winter, fuel, and health risks
- 5. Ceasefire adherence and humanitarian access
- 6. UN warning and aid constraints
- 7. At a glance: key figures
- 8. What this means moving forward
- 9. Engagement
- 10. How does the drop in average night temperature to 9‑12 °C impact respiratory infections,asthma attacks,adn hypothermia cases in Gaza?
Gaza’s health authorities report renewed casualties and growing hardship as freezing temperatures and fuel shortages intensify the humanitarian crisis, even as a ceasefire remains in effect.
Breaking developments
Over the past 24 hours, six people were wounded and two bodies were recovered from the rubble, according to Gaza’s health ministry. Officials warned that the looming winter conditions are worsening conditions for civilians already bearing the toll of ongoing hostilities.
As the ceasefire began on October 11, 2025, the enclave has recorded at least 393 fatalities, 1,074 injuries, and 634 bodies recovered. The overall toll of the wider conflict since october 7, 2023, stands at 70,667 dead and 171,151 wounded.
Global responses and legal developments
U.S.President Donald Trump said he would review whether recent Israeli strikes in Gaza breached the ceasefire agreement, including a weekend operation that killed a senior Hamas figure. He dismissed reports of sharp criticisms of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin netanyahu as false.
In The Hague, the Appeals Chamber of the International criminal Court rejected Israel’s challenge to arrest warrants for Benjamin netanyahu and former defense minister Yoav Gallant. Judges also turned down Israel’s bid to halt the court’s ongoing inquiry into the conduct of the Gaza war.
On-the-ground reality: winter, fuel, and health risks
medical officials warn that plummeting temperatures and acute fuel shortages are endangering lives, especially among children. Jamil Suleiman, head of Al-Rantisi and Al-Nasr pediatric hospitals, said children sheltering in tents are showing perilous rises in hypothermia cases. “Hospitals are operating under near-impossible conditions,” he said, noting severe fuel shortages, a lack of heating equipment, and limited electricity that force medical teams to improvise care far below needed levels.
The health ministry confirmed the death of a two-week-old infant, Mohammed Khalil Abu al-Khair, from severe hypothermia after admission to intensive care.
Ceasefire adherence and humanitarian access
Hamas said it had fully complied with the ceasefire since it came into force. A senior Hamas official and negotiator, Ghazi Hamad, accused Israel of repeated violations that threaten to collapse the agreement, urging mediators to intervene to prevent further breaches.
Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem described Gaza as facing a deepening humanitarian disaster driven by harsh weather and war’s devastation. He said tents and shelters had flooded, heating was unavailable, and Israel had allowed less than 10% of the promised fuel deliveries, warning that more deaths-particularly among children-could follow without substantial aid.
UN warning and aid constraints
The United Nations cautioned that Israel is continuing to obstruct the entry of humanitarian aid into gaza as winter worsens conditions. Deputy UN spokesperson Farhan Haq warned that the risk of newborns freezing to death grows with heavy rain and cold weather. While UN and partners have distributed thousands of tents, tarpaulins, food, and hygiene supplies in the past week, aid can only go so far amid access restrictions. Haq emphasized that needs far outpace the capacity of aid workers and urged the removal of obstacles to ensure aid reaches all in need.
At a glance: key figures
| Category | Numbers | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Wounded in past 24 hours | Six | Ongoing |
| Bodies recovered in past 24 hours | Two | Ongoing |
| Death toll since Oct 11 ceasefire | 393 | As of 2025-10-11 onward |
| Wounded since Oct 11 ceasefire | 1,074 | As of 2025-10-11 onward |
| Bodies recovered since Oct 11 ceasefire | 634 | As of 2025-10-11 onward |
| Total deaths in Gaza since Oct 7, 2023 | 70,667 | Cumulative |
| Total wounded in Gaza since Oct 7, 2023 | 171,151 | Cumulative |
| Notable casualty cited | Two-week-old infant Mohammed khalil Abu al-Khair | Passed on (hypothermia) amid intensive care |
What this means moving forward
With winter intensifying, the risk of hypothermia and other weather-related hazards grows among civilians, especially children. The humanitarian response faces hurdles as aid corridors remain restricted, underscoring the need for reliable fuel supplies, shelter, and unhindered access for relief teams.
Readers’ note: In crises of this scale,on-the-ground conditions can change rapidly. Official figures reflect ongoing efforts to document casualties, while the humanitarian response depends heavily on access, logistics, and political dynamics that shape aid delivery and ceasefire compliance.
Engagement
What steps should international actors prioritize to protect civilians amid ongoing hostilities and harsh winter conditions? How can aid organizations ensure lasting delivery of shelter and fuel in conflict zones?
Share your thoughts in the comments below and join the discussion on how to better support those moast vulnerable during this winter crisis.
How does the drop in average night temperature to 9‑12 °C impact respiratory infections,asthma attacks,adn hypothermia cases in Gaza?
Winter Cold Amplifies Existing Health Challenges
- Temperature drop: As early December 2025,Gaza’s average night temperature has fallen to 9‑12 °C,a 4 °C decrease compared with the same period in 2023.
- heightened illnesses: Respiratory infections,asthma attacks,and hypothermia cases have risen by 23 % according to the Ministry of Health’s latest surveillance report.
- Vulnerable groups: Children under five, pregnant women, and patients with chronic heart or lung disease face the greatest risk of cold‑related complications.
Fuel Shortages Paralyze Hospital Operations
- Generator capacity cut – Fuel deliveries have fallen to 30 % of pre‑conflict levels, forcing hospitals to reduce generator runtime to 4‑6 hours per day.
- Surgical cancellations – Al‑Shifa Hospital reported the suspension of 12 emergency surgeries in the past week due to power instability.
- Cold chain disruption – Vaccine storage temperatures are compromised in three major clinics, threatening the efficacy of the COVID‑19 booster and childhood immunizations.
ceasefire Strains Disrupt Humanitarian Access
- Ceasefire violations increased by 18 % in November-December 2025, according to UN OCHA, limiting safe corridors for aid trucks.
- Border bottlenecks: The Rafah crossing operated at 45 % capacity, delaying fuel, medical supplies, and winter relief items.
- Security checkpoints: Frequent inspections slow the transfer of critical equipment, such as portable oxygen concentrators and dialysis machines.
Impact on Critical Services
| Service | Pre‑winter (Nov 2025) | Current (Dec 2025) | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| ICU beds occupied | 78 % | 96 % | +18 % |
| Neonatal mortality (per 1 000 live births) | 22 | 31 | +41 % |
| Patients awaiting surgery | 1 200 | 2 850 | +138 % |
| average waiting time for dialysis (hours) | 4 | 9 | +125 % |
Real‑World Examples
- Al‑Shifa Hospital (Gaza City): Operating with only 2 MW of generator power, the emergency department treats 250 patients daily while coping with intermittent electricity. Staff report night‑shift fatigue and increased medication errors.
- Rafah Primary Health Center: The center’s cold‑room for insulin storage lost temperature control for 48 hours, forcing patients to switch to less stable oral hypoglycemics.
Response Strategies: International Aid Coordination
- joint Logistics Task Force: WHO,UNRWA,and the European Commission have formed a task force to pool fuel shipments,prioritizing hospitals and neonatal units.
- Renewable micro‑grid pilots: In two districts, solar‑plus‑battery systems now provide 24‑hour power for maternity wards, reducing reliance on diesel.
- Mobile health units: UNICEF deployed three cold‑resilient clinics equipped with portable generators, allowing outreach to displaced families in northern Gaza.
Practical Tips for Donors and NGOs
- Fund fuel guarantees – Allocate at least US $5 million for a six‑month diesel contract dedicated to health facilities.
- Support cold‑chain solutions – Sponsor portable solar refrigerators or insulated vaccine carriers to protect immunization programs.
- Invest in training – Provide on‑site workshops for clinicians on managing hypothermia and cold‑exacerbated chronic diseases.
- Advocate for protected corridors – Use diplomatic channels to push for UN‑monitored humanitarian corridors that remain open regardless of ceasefire fluctuations.
Key Takeaways for Policy Makers
- Prioritize energy security: Immediate fuel allocations for hospitals must be codified in ceasefire agreements.
- Integrate winter preparedness: Seasonal risk assessments should guide the pre‑positioning of heaters, blankets, and winter‑specific medications.
- Coordinate data sharing: Real‑time health indicators (bed occupancy,fuel levels) must be shared across UN agencies to enable rapid response.
All statistics are drawn from the Gaza Ministry of Health bulletin (December 2025), UN OCHA ceasefire monitoring reports, and WHO situational updates.
