Hypothermia Crisis in Gaza Amid Ongoing Conflict

In December 2024, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza has intensified. Six infants have tragically died from hypothermia due to severe cold weather. This situation has arisen amidst ongoing conflict and limited access to essential winter aid. The population of 2.3 million faces dire conditions, with many displaced and lacking adequate food and water.

About Hypothermia

Hypothermia occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it. The normal core body temperature is around 37 degrees Celsius. When this temperature drops below 35 degrees Celsius, hypothermia sets in. The body struggles to maintain heat, especially in cold, wet, or windy conditions.

Temperature Thresholds for Hypothermia

Hypothermia can develop even in temperatures above 4 degrees Celsius. The severity of the condition is classified as follows – – Mild Hypothermia – 32–35°C – Moderate Hypothermia – 28–32°C – Severe Hypothermia – Below 28°C

Signs and Symptoms

Initial signs include shivering, cold extremities, and confusion. As hypothermia progresses, shivering stops, heart rate and breathing slow, and unconsciousness may occur. Without intervention, severe hypothermia can lead to cardiac arrest and death.

Risk Factors for Infants

Infants are at a higher risk for hypothermia. Their larger surface area relative to body mass causes them to lose heat more rapidly. Additionally, malnutrition exacerbates their vulnerability. In Gaza, ongoing conflict has restricted access to food and medical care, heightening the risk for vulnerable populations.

Current Weather Conditions in Gaza

In late December 2024, temperatures in Gaza have ranged from 11°C at night to 20°C during the day. However, heavy rains and winds have made conditions harsh, especially for those living in temporary shelters. Many residents have resorted to cutting trees for firewood due to limited fuel access.

Preventive Measures and Treatment

Timely intervention can halt the progression of hypothermia. For mild cases, moving to a warm environment and providing warm beverages can help. Severe cases require medical treatment, including warming intravenous fluids or blood rewarming techniques.

Winter Aid Challenges

The ongoing conflict has severely restricted the entry of winter aid into Gaza. This has left many families without essential supplies to combat the cold. The international community continues to call for increased humanitarian assistance to alleviate the suffering of those affected.

Conclusion

The situation in Gaza marks the urgent need for humanitarian support. As temperatures drop, the risk of hypothermia continues to threaten the health and lives of the most vulnerable, particularly infants.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Examine the impact of climate change on the frequency and intensity of winter weather events globally.
2. Discuss in the light of current humanitarian crises, the role of international organisations in providing aid during conflicts.
3. Analyse the physiological differences in heat regulation between infants and adults, and the implications for health and safety.
4. Critically discuss the socio-economic factors contributing to food insecurity in conflict zones.

Answer Hints:

1. Examine the impact of climate change on the frequency and intensity of winter weather events globally.

1. Climate change leads to increased temperatures, causing more extreme weather patterns.
2. Warmer air holds more moisture, resulting in heavier precipitation and severe winter storms.
3. Changing atmospheric circulation patterns can alter traditional winter weather, creating unpredictability.
4. Melting polar ice contributes to rising sea levels, which can exacerbate flooding during winter months.
5. Regions previously unaffected by severe winter weather may experience increased cold events due to climate shifts.

2. Discuss in the light of current humanitarian crises, the role of international organisations in providing aid during conflicts.

1. International organisations like the UN and NGOs coordinate humanitarian assistance and relief efforts.
2. They assess needs, distribute food, medical supplies, and shelter to affected populations.
3. They advocate for ceasefires and access to aid in conflict zones to ensure safety for aid workers.
4. Funding and resource mobilization are critical roles, often reliant on international donations and support.
5. They also monitor human rights violations and work to hold parties accountable for humanitarian law breaches.

3. Analyse the physiological differences in heat regulation between infants and adults, and the implications for health and safety.

1. Infants have a higher surface area-to-volume ratio, leading to faster heat loss compared to adults.
2. Their ability to generate heat through shivering is less developed, making them more vulnerable.
3. Infants rely primarily on caregivers for warmth, increasing risks in cold environments.
4. Malnutrition affects their physiological response to cold, compounding the risk of hypothermia.
5. Recognizing signs of cold stress in infants is challenging, necessitating vigilant monitoring by caregivers.

4. Critically discuss the socio-economic factors contributing to food insecurity in conflict zones.

1. Conflict disrupts agricultural production and supply chains, leading to reduced food availability.
2. Economic instability results in high inflation and unemployment, limiting purchasing power for essential goods.
3. Access restrictions imposed by warring parties hinder humanitarian aid and food distribution.
4. Displacement of populations leads to overcrowded living conditions, increasing competition for limited resources.
5. Long-term impacts of conflict can erode infrastructure, making recovery and access to food challenging.