The Palestinian Ministry of Health warned on Monday of catastrophic consequences due to the shutdown of most oxygen generation plants in Gaza Strip hospitals. This shutdown is a result of the continued Israeli blockade preventing the entry of spare parts and maintenance supplies necessary for their reactivation.
Medical sources confirmed that the oxygen crisis is depleting the remaining operational capacity of hospitals and endangering the lives of dozens of patients and wounded individuals, particularly in departments that rely directly on respiratory support.
The sources indicated that 72 intensive care units, 54 neonatal and premature infant care units, and 19 pediatric intensive care units have been affected by the severe shortage of necessary respiratory support.
The Ministry stressed that the shutdown of most oxygen production plants, coupled with the remaining plants operating beyond their maximum capacity, portends an imminent collapse of the supply system. It called on the international community and human rights organizations to pressure Israel to open the crossings and allow the urgent entry of equipment and spare parts needed for maintenance. Two days ago, the Ministry of Health warned of the imminent collapse of oxygen supplies to hospitals and patients in the Gaza Strip. It confirmed that the remaining oxygen plants have reached their full operational capacity, plagued by frequent breakdowns and the inability of maintenance teams to carry out necessary repairs.
The Ministry stated that only 12 out of 34 oxygen plants are still operational, and even those are operating under extremely complex technical and mechanical conditions, rendering them incapable of meeting the growing needs of healthcare facilities and service providers.
It also revealed that only 4 out of 30 oxygen cylinder filling machines remain in operation, amid fears that they could suddenly shut down at any moment due to the denial of access to engineering teams for emergency maintenance.
The health sector in Gaza is suffering under a severe blockade and widespread paralysis of its medical and operational capabilities. Restrictions on the entry of fuel, spare parts, and vital equipment force intensive care units, neonatal units, and operating rooms to operate under extremely precarious conditions, endangering the lives of thousands of patients and the wounded.
