Fuel Restrictions in Gaza Impair Humanitarian Efforts, Jeopardizing Lives
Fuel restrictions in Gaza have severely impeded aid operations, putting the lives of over 1.5 million displaced Gazans at risk, according to the UN agency for Palestine refugees (UNRWA). The agency reported that fuel deliveries for humanitarian purposes have been largely prohibited since October, when Hamas launched an attack on Israel, resulting in significant casualties. Despite recent approval from Israeli authorities, the authorized amount of fuel covers merely half of the daily minimum requirements for critical activities.
UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini expressed concerns about the impact of these restrictions on humanitarian organizations, claiming that they should not be forced to make difficult choices between lifesaving tasks. The lack of fuel has led to communication shutdowns, closure of water stations, and reduced aid deliveries throughout Gaza. It has also resulted in hospital closures and curtailed the functioning of desalination plants, sewage pumps, aid trucks, ambulances, bakeries, and communication networks.
The dire situation has worsened since Israel closed all borders for aid deliveries into Gaza. While limited shipments have been permitted through the Rafah crossing via a deal with Egypt, the approved fuel deliveries are insufficient to meet critical needs. Mr. Lazzarini emphasized that even with the current approved amount of fuel, essential activities such as providing clean drinking water, managing sewage, and removing solid waste will be significantly compromised.
The consequences of fuel shortages are particularly grave for public health. Without adequate fuel supplies, sewage pumping stations, water wells, and wastewater treatment plants have ceased operations, leading to increased flooding with sewage and heightened risks of diseases. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), almost 75% of hospitals in Gaza are not functional due to fuel scarcity, damage, attacks, and insecurity. Eleven hospitals are only partially operational, offering extremely limited services.
UN agencies have emphasized that fuel shortages have made it practically impossible to deliver crucial aid at a time when the need is escalating. The reduced number of aid trucks crossing into Rafah has adversely affected water availability, sewage clearance, and other vital services. UNRWA’s chief called for the regular, unconditional delivery of fuel to sustain lifesaving activities in Gaza, stressing that humanitarian aid should never be contingent on political or military considerations.
In addition to the fuel crisis, reports have emerged of fresh attacks on schools, further exacerbating the dire situation. Adele Khodr, the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) regional director, condemned the attacks as horrific and called for an immediate ceasefire. Mr. Lazzarini echoed this sentiment, urging an end to the attacks on schools and demanding a humanitarian ceasefire without any further delays.
The escalating fuel restrictions and related challenges highlight the urgent need for a resolution to the crisis in Gaza. Humanitarian organizations are striving to navigate and mitigate these obstacles, but their efforts continue to be hampered by limited fuel supplies. Urgent action is required to address the fuel crisis and ensure the delivery of lifesaving aid to the vulnerable population in Gaza.
