Subject: Six Babies Freeze to Death in Gaza in One Week / One-month-old Twins Freeze to Death in Gaza / Israel Blocking Shelter Aid As Temperatures Plummet / One Palestinian Freezing to Death Every Day in Gaza / Israel’s Aid Blockade is Killing Palestinians
Dear [Elected Official’s Name],
Six babies have died of hypothermia in Gaza in just one week, a direct result of Israel’s mass displacement of Palestinians and the decimation of critical infrastructure; leaving over a million people without adequate shelter amidst freezing temperatures.
One-month-old Ali al-Batran died in Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital, just a day after his twin brother succumbed to the same fate. These tragic and avoidable deaths are part of a growing toll as temperatures drop, and Israel continues to block essential supplies.
Israel’s relentless bombardment has displaced Gaza’s population, leaving them seeking refuge in flimsy tents made of tarpaulin, blankets, and cardboard. 110,000 out of the 135,000 tents in use are reportedly worn out and unsuitable for winter conditions. Flooding from winter rains has further devastated shelters in Central Balah and Southern Khan Younis.
Essential shelter materials such as tarps and insulation remain unavailable due to Israel’s blockade. By late November, nearly 945,000 displaced Palestinians were still in urgent need of these supplies. UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini confirmed that blankets, mattresses, and other winter essentials have been stuck in the region for months, awaiting approval to enter Gaza.
Israel’s deliberate blockade of essential shelter and aid, in addition to the destruction of residential buildings and healthcare infrastructure demonstrates an intent to eradicate Palestinian life in Gaza. You must take action.
You must sanction Israel to enforce a ceasefire and hold its leadership accountable for violating international law. Sanctions have proven effective in halting egregious human rights abuses in other contexts; they must be applied here. This includes a ban on weapons and military equipment sales and licenses and a two-way trade embargo. We must also officially recognise the state of Palestine to affirm their right to self-determination.
There is no time to hesitate. Act now.
Your constituent,
[Full Name]
[Full Address]
