Two children from the same family were killed when an Israeli drone struck civilians collecting firewood near Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza, Gaza medical sources said. Severe fuel shortages and inadequate winter shelter have left many exposed to cold, wind and rain, and aid officials warn restrictions on humanitarian supplies are worsening conditions. The Palestinian Health Ministry reports hundreds of ceasefire violations and rising casualties, and says cold-related child deaths this winter have reached 10. US envoys visited Israel as Washington outlines a proposed 'New Gaza' reconstruction plan.
Two Children Killed by Drone While Collecting Firewood Near Kamal Adwan Hospital in Gaza
Palestinian children warm by the fire next to a sand sculpture by artist Yazed Abo Jarad in Deir el-Balah in central Gaza Strip [File: AFP]
Two children from the same family were killed when an Israeli drone struck civilians collecting firewood near Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza, Gaza medical sources said on Saturday.
Attack and Local Conditions
Medical sources in Gaza said the strike hit a group gathering wood and fuel amid severe shortages across the territory. Many residents have been compelled to search for fuel and firewood as temperatures at night have fallen to about 10°C (50°F).
Humanitarian Impact
Thousands of displaced Palestinians continue to live in improvised shelters made of thin canvas and plastic sheeting that provide little protection from wind and rain. Medical and aid officials say restrictions on the flow of humanitarian supplies — including tents, mobile homes and repair materials — have worsened living conditions and hampered winter preparations.
Ceasefire, Violations and Casualties
Aid and medical officials describe continued restrictions and intermittent strikes as breaches of the October ceasefire agreement brokered by the United States. According to the Palestinian Health Ministry in Gaza, at least 481 Palestinians have been killed and 1,206 wounded in Israeli strikes since October 11. The ministry also provided larger cumulative figures for the broader conflict period, reporting 71,654 killed and 171,391 wounded in Gaza since October 7, 2023.
Cold-Related Child Deaths
The Palestinian Health Ministry said child deaths related to cold weather during the current winter season have risen to 10 after the reported death of three-month-old Ali Abu Zour, who died of severe cold at Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital. The ministry did not specify the date of death.
International Developments
US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner visited Israel on Saturday to meet Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, primarily to discuss Gaza, two people briefed on the meetings told Reuters. The US government has also unveiled plans for a proposed 'New Gaza' reconstruction program that envisions residential towers, data centres and seaside developments as part of broader efforts to stabilise and rebuild the territory.
Note: Casualty and violation figures are reported by Gaza authorities and medical sources. Where possible, claims have been attributed to the reporting bodies; independent verification of some figures may not be available in the original reports.
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