The Palestinian Ministry of Health warned of dire consequences threatening the lives of hundreds of patients in the Gaza Strip due to a severe shortage of fuel and lubricants needed to operate hospital generators. This shortage is exacerbated by the ongoing Israeli aggression and the prevention of humanitarian aid from entering Gaza, leading to an unprecedented deterioration in the health situation.
In a statement issued Thursday, the Ministry explained that the continued Israeli blockade preventing the entry of vital supplies has caused a critical shortage of fuel and lubricants, threatening the operation of critical departments, including intensive care units, neonatal units, dialysis units, and surgical procedures. The statement also highlighted the risk of spoilage of vaccines and blood units due to power outages.
The Ministry added that health facilities require approximately 2,500 liters of fuel monthly to ensure their continued operation. It noted that the current shortage is pushing the health system toward an “imminent catastrophe,” given the increasing pressure on hospitals and the inability of medical staff to meet the escalating needs.
The Palestinian Ministry of Health called on international organizations to intervene urgently and pressure Israel to allow the entry of fuel and spare parts necessary to operate the generators. It warned that a shutdown would have catastrophic consequences for patients’ lives and threaten the complete collapse of the health system in the Gaza Strip. The occupation continues to impose its severe restrictions on the Gaza Strip, preventing the entry of fuel and medical supplies despite repeated UN warnings. This exacerbates the rapidly collapsing health system and increases the suffering of patients, at a time when the effects of the aggression on the infrastructure of hospitals and health centers are escalating, amid a complete absence of commitment to international resolutions calling for the unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid.
