Gaza Herald – Gaza’s Municipalities Union warned Sunday that a severe and worsening fuel blockade is crippling essential services across the Strip, as Israel continues to prevent the entry of diesel needed to keep vital systems running for more than two million people.
Municipal officials said that in the 50 days since the ceasefire began, the fuel allowed into Gaza was barely enough to operate for five days, undermining efforts to clear rubble, open streets, and support displaced families living in harsh winter conditions.
The municipalities stressed that the tiny quantities permitted by Israel remain tightly controlled by UNOPS, which they said is now unable to meet even the minimum operational needs of municipal services. They urged immediate and full diesel provision to sustain emergency work, pressuring Israel to lift restrictions.
Officials warned that the fuel blockade directly threatens humanitarian services such as rescuing displaced families from severe weather, removing rubble, managing wastewater, and keeping critical infrastructure functioning.
Israel’s US- and EU-backed genocide has already left more than 239,000 Palestinians killed or wounded, with over 11,000 still missing under the rubble. The Strip remains shattered by destruction, displacement, and famine, even as the ceasefire, in effect since October 10, has done little to halt the systemic suffocation of Gaza’s civilian life.
