A United Nations official has warned that Gaza’s much needed emergency supplies are running out blocking vital services in the enclave and leaving civilians’ life at stake.
At least one hospital has been forced to shut down for a few hours and services are being dramatically reduced at others” said Jamie McGoldrick the UN Humanitarian Coordinator for the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
“Given ongoing blackouts of about 20 hours a day if fuel does not come in immediately people’s lives will be at stake with the most vulnerable patients like cardiac patients those on dialysis and newborns in intensive care at highest risk” he added.
Mr. McGoldrick called on Israel to end restrictions preventing the import of fuel and for donors to provide immediate funding for emergency fuel currently set to run out in early in August.
“Until more sustainable solutions for the electricity crisis in Gaza are found two steps can avert further devastation in Gaza in the short term” said Mr. McGoldrick. “Israel must let fuel and other essential supplies in and donors must mobilize resources to ensure that critical facilities receive the fuel they need.”
The humanitarian situation in Gaza has been negatively impacted by a tough blockade imposed by the Israeli occupation.
Since last Monday the Israeli authorities have prohibited the entry of fuel into Gaza as part of tightened import and export restrictions reportedly in response to the launch of incendiary kites from Gaza into Israel which has caused extensive property damage.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) al-Quds Hospital which provides life-saving medical interventions for 150000 people per year including major surgeries deliveries and intensive care will be forced to shut down in coming days due to lack of fuel.
Other hospitals are likely to run out of fuel within the next few days thus significantly reducing the provision of essential medical services to the population in Gaza.
The Palestinian Ministry of Health already has implemented strict contingency measures: hospitals have reduced diagnostic sterilization and cleaning services increasing the risk of infections amongst patients.
