Gaza Hospitals Face Generator Shutdowns Amid Fuel and Oil Shortages

The Ministry of Health in the Gaza Strip announced on Sunday that several electrical generators in the territory's hospitals have ceased functioning due to a severe shortage of fuel, spare parts, and oil. The ministry warned that more generators could go out of service, posing a significant risk to vital and life-saving departments.

In a statement, the ministry explained that recent days have seen generator failures attributed to the lack of sufficient oil, spare parts, and fuel. They called for urgent intervention to supply the necessary materials to maintain the operation of the remaining generators. The ministry highlighted that the limited quantities of generator oil Israel permitted entry for were "emergency amounts" and insufficient for operational and technical maintenance needs.

According to the ministry, Gaza's hospitals require approximately 2,500 liters of generator oil monthly. The currently operational generators are running around the clock under difficult mechanical conditions, and their capacity is insufficient to cover the needs of all critical departments. The ministry cautioned that further generator failures are possible due to technical and mechanical issues, emphasizing the urgent need for oil changes and maintenance.

Electrical generators are the primary power source for Gaza's hospitals, especially since the ongoing conflict began in October 2023, leading to continuous electricity outages. Health facilities rely almost entirely on fuel to power critical sections and medical equipment. Generators frequently experience breakdowns, and Gaza's government entities report that repairs are temporary, using used or alternative spare parts due to the unavailability of original components.

Hospitals are also facing a persistent fuel crisis due to Israeli restrictions on the entry of fuel and aid, with crossings operating minimally or closed since the war started. Limited crossings have only allowed the passage of some patients, the wounded, returnees, and small amounts of humanitarian and medical aid.

The Gaza government media office previously accused Israel of reneging on its commitments under the ceasefire agreement that took effect on October 10, 2025, particularly regarding the agreed-upon quantities of aid and fuel necessary for vital sectors. Since the start of the conflict in October 2023, over 73,000 Palestinians have been killed and more than 174,000 injured, with approximately 90% of the strip's infrastructure destroyed.