Gaza’s hospitals face shutdown as generators fail and fuel runs short

Gaza's 38 hospitals have been reduced to 19 functioning facilities following damage inflicted by Israel during two years of conflict. These remaining hospitals are now facing the prospect of shutdowns due to a lack of fuel and spare parts needed to keep their generators running, according to doctors and officials. Generators are essential for powering intensive care units, operating theatres, emergency departments, laboratories, blood banks and medical equipment.

Gaza's electricity infrastructure was severely damaged during the war, leaving hospitals heavily reliant on generators for their operations. Israel has been accused of failing to meet its obligations under a ceasefire agreement that allows for the delivery of necessary supplies and fuel. The Health Ministry reports that hospitals require 94,000 litres of diesel each month, but have only received a few hundred litres in recent months.

Additionally, the supply of generators and spare parts has been severely limited by Israeli restrictions on goods entering Gaza. Some machinery and parts are classified as "dual-use" items, requiring special approval. As a result, about 70% of hospital generators have already broken down, threatening the entire healthcare system.

Hospitals have attempted to cope by reducing non-urgent services and prioritizing critical departments, but this may not be sufficient if more generators fail. The World Health Organisation has also ceased funding fuel and oil supplies for generators due to Israeli restrictions, affecting 13 hospitals and seven health centres. Despite the ongoing crisis, no hospital has completely ceased operations.

However, many departments have stopped functioning, leaving facilities limited to providing emergency care. The remaining hospitals are struggling to meet the needs of patients, including those injured during the conflict, who require continued treatment.