Gaza Herald — The World Health Organization has informed more than 20 hospitals and health centers in Gaza that it will stop supplying them with diesel from September 19 due to a lack of funding, according to Mohammed Abu Afash, director of the Palestinian Medical Relief Society in Gaza.
Abu Afash told WAFA that more than 13 hospitals and seven health centers had been notified that WHO-funded diesel supplies used to operate generators and essential medical departments would be halted.
He warned that the move could paralyse the affected facilities, many of which depend heavily on fuel assistance to continue providing medical services. Among those affected, he said, are Al-Ahli Arab Hospital, Al-Sahaba Hospital, Friends of the Patient Hospital and the Public Aid Hospital.
Several Palestinian Medical Relief Society centers would also be affected. Abu Afash warned that without WHO-funded fuel, some facilities could be forced to purchase diesel at extremely high market prices and potentially charge patients for services currently provided free of charge.
The warning comes as Gaza’s healthcare system faces severe shortages of fuel, medicines and basic medical supplies, leaving hospitals and clinics struggling to maintain essential services.
Abu Afash called on WHO to reverse the reported decision, warning that cutting diesel support could further cripple Gaza’s already devastated healthcare system.
The reported suspension comes amid continuing restrictions on the entry of humanitarian supplies into Gaza and severe pressure on the enclave’s remaining medical facilities.
This report was produced in the Gaza Herald newsroom.
