The death toll due to the “bitter cold and frost waves” among displaced Palestinians in tents has risen to seven — a number which is expected to rise — Al Jazeera reports, citing a statement from Gaza’s government media office.

“We have warned more than once of the danger […] air depressions, winter and frost waves coinciding with the tragic reality experienced by our Palestinian people who are being subjected to killing[s], genocide and [the] destruction of homes and vital sectors, and [who] are being subjected to displacement and eviction,” the statement read.

“Heavy rains are expected to continue, as well as the continuation of frost waves and winter cold in the coming days, which poses a great danger [..] a real threat to the lives of the displaced who are suffering tragically as a result of the crimes of the ‘Israeli’ occupation,” it added.

“Dilapidated tents” are not protecting people from the cold, Al Jazeera quoted Gaza authorities as saying.

“We hold the ‘Israeli’ occupation fully responsible for the deterioration of the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, as well as the US administration and the countries that supported and participated in the genocide such as Britain, Germany and France, and we demand that they stop the genocide,” the statement added.