Pope Francis sharply criticized the Israeli genocide being waged by Israel occupation on the Gaza Strip, which has continued for 461 days.
He described the humanitarian situation in the Gaza as “critical and deeply shameful.”
In his annual address to diplomats, delivered on his behalf by one of his aides, Pope Francis highlighted the deaths of children due to the winter cold in Gaza, compounded by the near-total electricity outages.
He stated, “We cannot accept children freezing to death because of the destruction of hospitals or the bombing of the power grid.”
According to Gaza’s Ministry of Health, seven children and one other resident have died due to severe cold and harsh weather conditions.
Displaced individuals in Gaza are living in temporary tents, exacerbating their suffering due to shortages of food, water, fuel, and medicine.
The United Nations has repeatedly warned of famine in the impoverished and densely populated region, which remains under continuous attacks by the occupying forces.
On Wednesday, the International Red Cross reported that Gaza’s children are dying from the cold as winter storms have torn through their tents and flooded them with rainwater, following 13 months of relentless Israeli aggression against Gaza.
In a statement, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) said that cold weather and lack of shelter are causing the deaths of newborns in Gaza, where 7,700 newborns lack life-saving care.
Previously, UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini stated that Gaza’s children are freezing to death due to the cold and lack of shelter, noting that winter blankets and supplies have been stuck for months, awaiting approval by Israel to enter Gaza.
Rosalia Bolin, an official with UNICEF in Gaza, warned of worsening conditions as winter descends on Gaza.
She noted that children are suffering from the cold and dampness, with many still wearing summer clothes.
In a press statement, she added that children in Gaza are scavenging through rubble for plastic scraps to burn for warmth.
Diseases are spreading due to the lack of healthcare services, with hospitals frequently under attack.
The Israeli occupation continues its fierce war on Gaza for the 461st consecutive day, causing widespread destruction and more than 154,000 casualties, including martyrs and injured, in addition to 11,000 missing persons.
