Gaza is running out of fuel, and nine United Nations (UN) agencies warn this could shut down every hospital, water system, and aid operation keeping 2.1 million people alive, according to a press release from the United Nations. The fuel shortage has hit critical levels after nearly two years of war. Fuel powers hospitals, water systems, ambulances, and all aid work in Gaza. It also runs the trucks that move food and supplies across the territory and keeps bakeries making bread for hungry families. Without fuel, these lifelines disappear for millions of people already facing extreme hardships and widespread hunger.
The UN agencies say fuel is the backbone of survival in Gaza. Everything depends on it. Hospitals need fuel to keep lights on and machines running. Water systems use it to pump clean water to families. Ambulances can’t move without it. The trucks that carry aid across Gaza won’t run either.
The situation is already getting bad. Hospitals are going dark. Maternity wards, baby units, and intensive care can’t work properly. Ambulances sit empty. Roads get blocked, trapping people who need help. Phone systems shut down, so families can’t reach each other or get important news. Aid workers can’t coordinate their rescue efforts. Bakeries and community kitchens stop making food. Water systems break down. Garbage and sewage pile up in the streets, creating perfect conditions for disease outbreaks.
A small amount of fuel got into Gaza this week—the first time in 130 days. That’s good news, but it’s nowhere near enough. The UN groups say they need fuel coming in regularly and in much larger amounts to keep people alive.
The UN agencies report they “cannot overstate the urgency of this moment” and demand that fuel be allowed into Gaza consistently to sustain life-saving work. Without adequate fuel, UN agencies will likely be forced to stop their operations entirely, which means no health services, no clean water, and no capacity to deliver aid.
