New York - Saba:
The United Nations warned that the fuel shortage in the Gaza Strip has reached "critical levels," threatening to exacerbate the suffering of the residents of the war-ravaged Strip.
Seven UN agencies affirmed 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 all aspects of humanitarian operations," also noting the bakeries' need for fuel.
The besieged Gaza Strip has been facing a severe fuel shortage since the start of the devastating war on October 7, 2023.
Agencies, including the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the World Health Organization, and the World Food Programme, have warned that "the fuel shortage in Gaza has reached critical levels."
They noted that "the people of Gaza, after nearly two years of war, are facing extreme hardship, particularly widespread food insecurity. When fuel runs out, it places a new and unbearable burden on a population on the brink of famine."
The United Nations said that agencies responding to the massive humanitarian crisis in parts of the Strip devastated by Israeli bombing and threatened by famine "may be forced to halt operations entirely" if sufficient fuel is not available.
The organization continued, "This means no health services, no clean water, and no ability to deliver aid."
It added, "Without sufficient fuel, Gaza faces the collapse of humanitarian relief efforts," warning that "without fuel, bakeries and community kitchens cannot operate. Water and sanitation systems will cease, depriving families of safe drinking water as solid waste and sewage accumulate in the streets."
The agencies said in their statement, "These conditions expose families to the spread of deadly diseases and bring Gaza's most vulnerable to death."
The warning comes days after the United Nations was able to bring fuel into Gaza for the first time in 130 days.
While UN agencies described this as a "welcome development," they said the 75,000 liters of fuel they were able to bring in was only "a small fraction of what is needed daily to maintain daily life and continue providing vital aid."
They added, "Fuel must be allowed into Gaza in sufficient quantities and on a regular basis to support life-saving operations."