UN Agencies Warn: Fuel Shortage in Gaza has Reached Critical Levels

SadaNews - The United Nations has warned that the fuel shortage in the Gaza Strip has reached "critical levels", threatening to worsen the suffering of the war-torn population.

Seven UN agencies confirmed in a joint statement last night that "fuel is the backbone of survival in Gaza".

The agencies spoke of the need for "fuel to operate hospitals, water systems, sewage networks, ambulances, and humanitarian operations in all their aspects", also highlighting the need for fuel for bakeries.

The besieged Strip has been facing a severe fuel shortage since the onset of the devastating war on October 7, 2023.

The agencies, including the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the World Health Organization, and the World Food Programme, warned that "the fuel scarcity in Gaza has reached critical levels".

They indicated that "after nearly two years of war, the people of Gaza are facing extreme difficulties, especially a complete lack of food security. When fuel runs out, it places an unbearable new burden on the population on the brink of famine."

The United Nations stated that agencies responding to the significant humanitarian crisis in parts of the area devastated by Israeli airstrikes and threatened by famine "may have to completely halt their operations" if sufficient fuel is not available.

It added, "This means no availability of health services, clean water, or the ability to provide assistance."

It further noted, "Without sufficient fuel, Gaza faces a collapse of humanitarian relief efforts," warning that "without fuel, bakeries and community kitchens cannot operate. Water and sewage production systems will stop, depriving families of safe drinking water as solid waste and sewage accumulate in the streets."

The agencies stated in their announcement, "These conditions expose families to the spread of deadly diseases and push the most vulnerable groups in Gaza closer to death."

The warning comes days after the UN was able to deliver fuel to Gaza for the first time in 130 days.

While the UN agencies considered this a "welcome development", they stated that the 75,000 liters of fuel they managed to deliver was merely "a small part of what is needed daily to sustain daily life and to continue providing vital assistance."

They added, "Fuel must be allowed into Gaza in sufficient amounts and on a regular basis to support life-saving operations."