GazaHerald – The Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza warned on Wednesday that Israeli restrictions are deliberately preventing the World Health Organization (WHO) from delivering fuel to hospitals in the Strip, putting the entire health system on the brink of collapse.
“The occupation insists on preventing the WHO from using alternative routes to deliver fuel to hospitals in Gaza and the north,” the ministry said in a statement. It stressed that “preventing the supply of fuel necessary to operate generators in Gaza hospitals means a complete halt to health services.”
The ministry highlighted that the crisis threatens to shut down critical facilities, including the Al-Sahaba Medical Complex, the General Service Hospital, the Central Oxygen Plant, ambulances, and other hospitals within days. It warned that “the shutdown of the Central Oxygen Plant and ambulances in the Gaza Strip means that we are facing a serious health and humanitarian disaster,” and called on all concerned parties to urgently intervene to ensure safe access to hospital fuel.
Targeting Gaza’s Health System
The Health Ministry accused Israel of continuing a systematic policy aimed at destroying Gaza’s healthcare system by targeting hospitals and medical facilities. The latest attack occurred late Tuesday at the Al-Rantisi Children’s Hospital, when Israeli aircraft launched three airstrikes on the hospital’s upper floors within minutes of each other.
The ministry said 40 patients were forced to leave the hospital in search of safety for themselves and their children, while 40 patients and their companions, along with 12 intensive care patients and 30 staff members, remained inside.
Al-Rantisi Hospital is Gaza’s only specialized pediatric facility, providing oncology, dialysis, respiratory, and digestive treatments, as well as four pediatric intensive care units and eight neonatal intensive care units. Currently, 80 patients are receiving treatment there across various specialties.
Several hospitals in Gaza have previously warned that services could halt at any moment due to severe fuel shortages, Israel’s strict fuel rationing, and the lack of sustainable alternative energy sources. The occupation maintains a tight blockade on Gaza, closing all crossings, cutting off electricity, and preventing fuel entry for the sole power plant. Additional challenges include extensive damage to the electricity distribution network and attacks on solar photovoltaic points.
The Health Ministry renewed its appeal for urgent protection for medical facilities, staff, and patients, emphasizing that without immediate intervention, the collapse of Gaza’s healthcare system is imminent.
