Gaza Hospitals Face Shutdown Amid Critical Fuel and Oil Shortages

Gaza's Ministry of Health has warned that hospitals in the Strip are on the verge of collapse due to severe shortages of fuel, generator oils, and spare parts. In a statement released today, the ministry reported that several generators have already ceased functioning because of insufficient supplies. It urgently called for immediate intervention to allow the entry of essential needs to ensure the continued operation of the remaining generators.

The ministry highlighted that the ongoing crisis with generator oils is a significant obstacle to maintaining electricity supplies. It explained that the limited quantities of oil permitted into Gaza recently were only emergency provisions, insufficient for regular operation and technical maintenance. Hospitals require approximately 2,500 liters of generator oil monthly, while the remaining generators are operating around the clock under immense mechanical stress, with their current capacity unable to cover the needs of all vital departments.

The ministry cautioned that more generators are likely to fail in the coming period due to technical and mechanical issues, especially with the pressing need for oil changes and maintenance. This situation directly threatens the consistent operation of hospitals and essential medical equipment. Gaza's hospitals rely heavily on generators for power, as electricity has been continuously cut off since the war began in October 2023, making fuel, oils, and spare parts critical for operating emergency rooms, intensive care units, and other vital medical facilities.

These generators are experiencing frequent breakdowns, and repairs are often temporary, utilizing used or alternative spare parts due to difficulties in obtaining original components. Health facilities are also suffering from a continuous lack of fuel, compounded by Israeli restrictions on the entry of fuel and aid, as well as limited border crossing operations. The crossings have only partially facilitated the entry of limited aid and the evacuation of some patients and wounded individuals.

The Gaza government media office previously accused Israel of not adhering to the terms of the ceasefire agreement that took effect on October 10, 2025, particularly regarding the agreed-upon quantities of aid and fuel.