The dire lack of fuel in the Gaza Strip is posing a significant threat to the already devastated health services in the war-torn Palestinian territory. The World Health Organization (WHO) chief, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has issued a warning about the potentially catastrophic impact of the ongoing fuel shortages on the health sector in Gaza.
Fuel shortages have been a chronic issue in Gaza, exacerbated by the intense Israeli bombardment that followed Hamas’s deadly attack on October 7. The UN health agency revealed that only 90,000 liters of fuel entered Gaza on Wednesday, while the health sector alone requires 80,000 liters daily. This severe shortage is forcing WHO and its partners to make difficult decisions regarding the allocation of limited fuel supplies.
The control exerted by Israeli authorities over everything entering Gaza has made it challenging to secure essential supplies like fuel. The scarcity of fuel is particularly concerning as it is crucial for powering hospital generators, as well as for operating humanitarian and emergency vehicles. WHO and its partners are currently prioritizing the distribution of limited fuel supplies to key hospitals in Gaza, such as the Nasser Medical Complex, Al Amal Hospital in Khan Yunis, and the Kuwaiti hospital in Rafah. Additionally, fuel is being allocated to 21 ambulances operated by the Palestinian Red Crescent to ensure that essential services continue uninterrupted.
The European Gaza Hospital in Khan Yunis has already been forced to shut down due to the lack of fuel since Tuesday. Tedros warned that the potential closure of more hospitals in Gaza would have catastrophic consequences for the already strained health system in the territory. The situation is dire, with lives at risk due to the inability to power critical medical equipment and vehicles.
The recent escalation of violence in Gaza, triggered by Hamas’s attack on October 7, has resulted in a significant loss of life and widespread destruction. According to an AFP tally based on Israeli figures, the attack led to the deaths of 1,195 people, predominantly civilians. Hamas militants also took hostages, with 116 individuals still held captive in Gaza, including some who are reported to have died.
In response to Hamas’s actions, Israel launched a retaliatory offensive that has claimed the lives of at least 38,011 people, the majority of whom are civilians, according to figures from Gaza’s health ministry. The cycle of violence and destruction has taken a heavy toll on the civilian population in Gaza, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian situation.
The international community must urgently address the fuel crisis in Gaza to prevent further deterioration of the health sector and avoid additional loss of life. Humanitarian organizations like WHO are working tirelessly to provide essential support to hospitals and emergency services in Gaza, but their efforts are hindered by the severe lack of fuel. Immediate action is needed to ensure that critical medical facilities can continue to operate and provide lifesaving care to those in need.
The situation in Gaza is a stark reminder of the devastating impact of conflict on civilian populations and the urgent need for a peaceful resolution to end the cycle of violence and suffering. The international community must step up its efforts to support the people of Gaza and work towards a lasting solution that ensures their safety and well-being.