Gaza Children Die from Cold as 'International Force' May Deploy Next Month

The humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip has worsened drastically due to the severe winter low-pressure system, coinciding with progress on plans to deploy a US-led international stabilization force.

1. Humanitarian Crisis and Winter Fatalities in Gaza

Health and Civil Defence authorities in Gaza reported tragic figures due to the extreme weather:

• Weather-Related Deaths:

  • Three children died from the extreme cold on Friday (including Hadeel Al-Masri, 9, and Teem Al-Khawaja, several months old).

  • Around 10 people died Saturday from the collapse of cracked homes due to heavy rains and strong winds.

  • Civil Defence reported at least 16 total deaths on Friday.

• Worsening Conditions: Storm Byron's floods submerged tents and makeshift shelters. Families are sleeping on "soaked mattresses" without dry clothes, with temperatures dropping to 8 or 9 degrees at night.

• Health Concerns: UNICEF spokesman Jonathan Crickx described the hygiene and sanitation conditions as "appalling," warning of the spread of waterborne diseases due to massive pools of sewage near displacement camps. WHO predicts a rise in acute respiratory infections.

2. International Stabilization Force (ISF) Plan

Reuters quoted US officials outlining the deployment plan for the ISF, a key element of President Trump's peace plan:

• Timeline: International forces may deploy next month.

• Leadership and Coordination:

  • The overall command is likely to be assigned to a US General (no final decision yet).

  • US Central Command will organize a conference in Doha on December 16 with representatives from 25 partner nations to finalize logistics, sizing, housing, and rules of engagement (ROE).

• Disarmament Mandate:

  • US officials stated the force will not engage Hamas fighters.

  • However, the UN Security Council authorized the ISF to work with trained Palestinian police to ensure "the disarmament of the Gaza Strip," including destroying military infrastructure, using force if necessary (per US Ambassador Mike Waltz).

  • Hamas maintains it will not give up arms until a Palestinian state is established.

• Indonesian Contribution: Indonesia announced it is preparing to deploy 20,000 troops for health and construction missions in Gaza.

• Deployment Zone: The ISF is expected to deploy in the area controlled by Israel (53% of the Strip). Israel will then withdraw its forces in phases, according to the Trump plan.