Gaza babies risk hypothermia
2009-01-05 22:39
London - Newborn babies in Gaza are at risk of hypothermia because of freezing temperatures and a cut in the power supply, the British aid charity Save the Children warned on Monday.
Most homes and hospitals in Gaza, where night-time temperatures drop to freezing point, are now without power and have no heating, it said, adding that people leave windows open to stop them shattering from bombardment.
"We need to deliver more food and blankets to ensure that children do not die of hunger and cold," said Jerusalem-based Save the Children spokesperson Dominic Nutt, cited in a statement by the charity.
Referring to a European Union mission in the region, he added: "We want (British Prime Minister) Gordon Brown and all EU leaders to push for a ceasefire so that we have safe access to those people in need in Gaza.
"People also must be able to move freely and safely so they can provide for their families when food does become available."
'Newborns need higher temperatures'
Doctor Shaul Dollberg, professor of paediatrics at Tel Aviv University, was quoted by the charity as saying: "There is definitely potential for hypothermia for children in Gaza, especially for newborn babies.
"Newborns need higher temperatures to survive," he said.
Save the Children staff in Gaza have delivered food to around 6 000 of the most hungry families there, the statement added.
"Our staff took their lives in their hands to deliver food aid. Two staff have already had their houses badly damaged in the bombing. No one is safe," said Nutt.
"But we simply must do all in our power to protect children and babies from this conflict.
The warnings came as Israeli troops tightened their military grip on Gaza with new air strikes and ground battles while Europe led the diplomatic offensive to secure a ceasefire.
- AFP