Gaza Hospitals Face Critical Shortage of Generator Oils, Threatening Lifesaving Services
Translated & summarized from Arab48 by baba
Gaza's Ministry of Health announced a critical shortage of generator oils, threatening the operation of life-saving medical departments in hospitals. The ministry requires over 2,500 liters of oil monthly to maintain the remaining generators, which are essential since Israel cut electricity supplies in October 2023. Previous shortages have already led to disruptions in medical services and the shutdown of key hospital equipment. The ministry is appealing for immediate intervention to allow the entry of necessary supplies.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Gaza's Ministry of Health reports a depletion of generator oils, endangering critical hospital departments.
- Hospitals need over 2,500 liters of oil monthly to prevent generator failure.
- Israeli restrictions hinder the entry of essential operational and maintenance supplies.
- Seventy percent of Gaza's hospital generators were already out of service by September.
- Power outages have impacted vital services like operating rooms and intensive care units.
- Hospitals have relied on generators since Israel cut electricity in October 2023.
The Ministry of Health in the Gaza Strip announced on Wednesday that it has run out of the oils necessary to operate hospital generators. The ministry stressed an urgent need for over 2,500 liters of oil monthly to prevent the collapse of the remaining generators, citing Israeli restrictions on the entry of operational and maintenance supplies. The ministry warned that the ongoing crisis threatens the shutdown of life-saving medical departments. In September, it was reported that 70% of hospital generators were already out of service due to a lack of fuel, oils, and spare parts, attributed to the Israeli blockade.
The ministry stated that the depletion of oils would lead to the immediate mechanical breakdown of the remaining generators, which operate under complex technical conditions. Prolonged operation increases oil consumption and maintenance needs. A shutdown would result in power outages for vital departments, including operating rooms and intensive care units, which are heavily reliant on electricity.
Mazen Al-Araishi, Director General of Engineering and Maintenance at the Ministry of Health, stated in September that the quantities of oil allowed into Gaza were limited and insufficient for generator operation and maintenance. He warned at the time that delayed oil changes could cause mechanical failures and lead to generator shutdowns.
In its Wednesday statement, the ministry confirmed that limited oil supplies, described as "emergency solutions," do not guarantee continued generator operation due to high consumption and maintenance requirements. Previously, shortages of oils and spare parts have disrupted medical services in Gaza, including at the Al-Ahli Arab Hospital (Al-Mamdani) in Gaza City. In September, the hospital's main generator stopped due to a lack of oils and spare parts, disabling the medical imaging department and CT scanner, and leading to the postponement of surgeries.
Gaza's hospitals have relied on generators for essential electricity since Israel cut off power supplies to the Strip in October 2023. The sole power generation station in Gaza stopped in early October 2023 due to fuel shortages, causing a widespread blackout. Damage to power lines and distribution networks during the war further hampered electricity restoration, forcing hospitals to depend on generators for extended periods.
The Ministry of Health appealed on Wednesday for relevant parties to fulfill their humanitarian responsibilities and intervene immediately to ensure the entry of necessary oils and spare parts to prevent the remaining generators from failing. The electricity crisis persists despite a ceasefire that took effect on October 10, 2025, with ongoing Israeli restrictions on supplies needed to rehabilitate the health system in the Strip.