Women's suffering in Gaza's harsh winter

According to a report by the Palestinian Center for Human Rights, it is genocide to forcibly uproot the Gaza Strip's population, including its women, and deny them basic clothing and shelter, as well as food and proper medical care.
The center's report claims that women, who have been dealing with previously unheard-of levels of pressure and adversity since the start of the ongoing Israeli invasion, are further burdened by violence and suffering during the harsh winter months.
The ongoing military attack by the Israeli regime on the Gaza Strip has so far displaced more than 2 million people, who constitute about 90 percent of the total population of the region, and has forced families to face a harsh winter amid deteriorating humanitarian conditions. Last winter, despite the harsh conditions, there were buildings to shelter in, and some displaced people were able to find shelter thanks to host families, schools, hospitals and public buildings.
Now, 15 months after the Israeli attack and the widespread destruction of residential areas, including Khan Yunis, Rafah and the northern Gaza Strip, hundreds of thousands of Palestinians are facing dire conditions that are only getting worse. Many are living without shelter, while others have been forced to build makeshift tents using simple and scarce materials such as plastic sheets, torn cloth and scattered pieces of wood.
These makeshift tents were not enough to withstand strong winds, heavy rains and extreme cold, especially during the harsh winter when temperatures dropped to -6 degrees Celsius. As the displaced continue to lack basic necessities such as water, food and warm shelter, their lives are increasingly threatened by the extreme cold and the spread of infectious diseases that are deepening their humanitarian crisis, in addition to the ongoing bombardment. The winter has already claimed eight lives, most of them children.
Deteriorating infrastructure
Due to systematic infrastructure destruction, power outages, and severe fuel shortages brought on by the harsh blockade and ongoing Israeli aggression, the Gaza Strip has virtually lost its ability to manage its sewage. Sewage overflowing into the streets and settlement displacement during winter rains have resulted from this, seriously contaminating water sources that locals depend on for daily use and drinking.
Severe malnutrition and overcrowding brought on by a rise in forced relocation and homelessness also accompany this situation, raising the possibility of infectious disease transmission. Families in Gaza, on the other hand, depend on gas, electricity, or fuel to heat their homes; however, because of the Israeli blockade, which has resulted in severe fuel shortages and power outages, displaced people are forced to use firewood for lighting.
In contrast, the health system in Gaza is suffering from a near-total collapse, with 23 out of 38 public and private hospitals out of service as a result of attacks on hospitals, and only 17 are partially operational. 80 out of 90 health facilities were out of service, causing an almost complete halt in the ability to provide medical care. These intertwined crises threaten the lives of the people of Gaza and deepen their suffering in the wake of the ongoing military offensive and the failure to comply with the decisions of the International Court of Justice requiring an immediate ceasefire.
Lack of blankets and winter clothing
The people of Gaza are enduring a bitter winter in difficult conditions. What is available in the markets is sold at exorbitant prices, at rates exceeding $50, which is beyond the means of the displaced, who are almost completely without any source of income.
Despite the readiness of isolation kits, tents and bedding kits in warehouses and at entry points, Israel has imposed severe restrictions on the access of the displaced to them.
Extra burden on women
According to the center's report, displaced women in the Gaza Strip deal with complicated and challenging issues during the cruel winter months. Their lives are made even more miserable by the physical and psychological stress that they endure.
Pregnant and nursing women are particularly affected by cold weather when safe heating is unavailable, and the extreme cold can cause health issues for them. The Israeli blockade has resulted in a shortage and high cost of medications, making it more likely that the health of elderly women or those with chronic illnesses will deteriorate.
Najah Ibrahim, 62, a mother of six, says: "I suffer from blood clots in my left arm and leg, which limit my movement. In addition, I have cancer, for which I have stopped treatment for a year."
Stating that the occupying forces forced me and my children to evacuate my house in Beit Lahia, without allowing us to take any of our belongings, she said: "I left in a worn-out wheelchair and continued my journey with difficulty until we reached the Yarmouk refugee camp in Gaza City. There we had to set up a small nylon tent. Now I live with 20 people in a worn-out tent that does not protect against the extreme cold or heavy rain.
According to Ibrahim, the cold has weakened my frail body and the platinum in my legs doubles the pain. Due to my weak immunity, I suffer from frequent colds and there are no free or cheap medicines like before. This difficult situation threatens my life.