GAZA, (PIC)
The Palestinian Ministry of Health has warned of an impending health catastrophe in the Gaza Strip, as hospitals face a critical shortage of fuel needed to operate electricity generators, amid the ongoing impact of the Israeli genocide and the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation.
In its daily statistical report, the ministry said that only three injured individuals were able to reach hospitals across Gaza in the past 24 hours, while a number of victims remain trapped under rubble or lying in the streets, as ambulance and civil defense teams are still unable to reach them.
According to the report, the total number of Palestinians killed since the ceasefire on October 10 has risen to 713, with an additional 1,943 wounded. Rescue teams have also recovered 756 bodies during that period.
Cumulatively, since the start of the Israeli genocide on October 7, 2023, the death toll has reached 72,289, with 172,043 people injured.
The ministry issued an urgent warning that the health system is on the brink of total collapse, noting that the fuel shortage threatens the shutdown of critical departments, including intensive care units, neonatal incubators, dialysis services, and operating rooms. It also warned of the risk of damage to vaccines and blood supplies.
Assistant undersecretary for engineering and medical equipment, engineer Bassam al-Hamadeen, said the continued shortage could lead to the “real death” of patients, given the near-total reliance on electric generators in Gaza’s hospitals.
The ministry called on international donors to take immediate action to supply fuel from outside Gaza and ensure its urgent delivery to hospitals and primary healthcare centers.
It also urged international organizations to pressure Israel to allow the entry of essential supplies, noting that approximately 2,500 liters of fuel are needed monthly to sustain healthcare operations.
