The death toll in the Gaza Strip continued to rise on Monday as severe winter weather caused additional building collapses, children died from exposure, and health officials warned of dangerous viral outbreaks amid the ongoing collapse of medical services, bringing the cumulative toll of Israel’s assault to 71,419 killed and 171,318 injured since October 7, 2023.
Since the “ceasefire” declared on October 11, 2025, the cumulative toll has risen to 442 killed and 1,240 injured, with 697 bodies recovered from collapsed buildings and debris.
Four killed as storm winds collapse damaged buildings
Medical sources confirmed that four Palestinians were killed in Gaza City after strong winds and heavy rain caused previously bomb‑damaged structures to collapse.
Among the victims was 15‑year‑old Rimas Bilal Hammouda, who died when part of the “Organza Hall” building near the Gaza beachfront collapsed, raising the number of fatalities at that site to three.
In a separate incident, 33‑year‑old Wafa’ Shreir was killed when a wall of her damaged home collapsed near Thawra Street in western Gaza City.
Humanitarian agencies have repeatedly warned that thousands of structurally compromised homes across the Strip pose lethal risks during winter storms.
Seven killed, four injured in the past 24 hours
Medical sources said that seven Palestinians were killed in the past 24 hours, including five whose bodies were recovered from rubble, along with four injuries.
Rescue teams continue to face severe obstacles reaching trapped victims due to destroyed roads, fuel shortages, and ongoing Israeli restrictions on movement.
Two more children die from extreme cold
Health officials confirmed the deaths of a 7‑day‑old infant and a 4‑year‑old child due to extreme cold, bringing the number of children who have died from winter exposure this season to six.
Al‑Jazeera reported Monday that harsh weather has disproportionately affected infants, the wounded, and displaced families living in makeshift tents and unheated shelters.
Aid agencies say Israel continues to block essential winter supplies, including temporary housing, blankets, and heating equipment.
Health officials warn of viral outbreaks amid medical collapse
Health authorities in Gaza issued an urgent warning about the spread of suspected mutated strains of influenza and coronavirus, citing widespread immune collapse among the population due to prolonged hunger, malnutrition, and lack of medical care.
Hospitals are operating under catastrophic overload, with bed occupancy exceeding 150%, according to medical officials. Many facilities are treating patients on floors, in corridors, or in unheated tents.
Al‑Jazeera’s Monday reporting highlighted that Gaza’s hospitals are facing “unprecedented pressure,” with shortages of vaccines, antibiotics, and basic medical supplies, leaving vulnerable groups — including infants, the elderly, and the chronically ill — at heightened risk of severe infection and death.
Calls for urgent international intervention:
Health officials urged immediate international action to:
- Supply vaccines and antiviral medications
- Provide winterized shelters and heating equipment
- Support overwhelmed hospitals
- Prevent further spread of respiratory infections
- Address acute malnutrition among children
Humanitarian organizations told Al‑Jazeera that the crisis is worsening rapidly as Israel continues to restrict the entry of essential aid, including medical supplies, tents, and fuel, despite the “ceasefire.”
