As Gaza enters a catastrophic humanitarian crisis, hospitals that rely on generators to operate their facilities have been critically affected by a massive fuel shortage. The war expanded greatly after Hamas’ surprise and deadly attack on Israel on October 7. Local health officials say the death toll is rising, including six from starvation, with at least 40 more people reported killed in recent aerial bombings as well as in machine-gun fire. Confirmed death toll has now risen to 175. This tragic figure now includes 93 children, as international agencies warn of a famine developing in C Abyei.
The impact is compounded by Israel’s ongoing and unlawful blockade of Gaza, which has resulted in critical shortages of vital supplies. Countries are rushing to airdrop humanitarian assistance into the region. Yet, despite these efforts, the United Nations has cautioned that these efforts are not enough and continue to fall short of meeting the needs of the population. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected allegations of a starvation crisis, maintaining that the situation is manageable.
Sadly, Hamas currently has 50 Israeli hostages, with the number of active hostages reported at 20. The ongoing conflict has claimed more than 60,000 Palestinian lives, while the Palestinian Red Crescent Society (PRCS) has lost 51 staff and volunteers during the war. As the humanitarian crisis continues to spiral out of control, local and international groups are sounding the alarm on the extremely precarious situation that civilians and hostages alike are trapped in.
Fuel Shortages Impact Healthcare
Hospitals around Gaza have been unable to fulfill even the most basic needs, paralyzed by catastrophic fuel shortages. Generators keeping the few operational medical facilities powered are being depleted, putting the health and safety of their patients at risk. As the bombardment of the region goes on at an accelerated pace, the ability to deliver emergency medical care grows more complicated and dangerous.
The PRCS highlights the urgent imperative to safeguard medical facilities and staff amid armed conflicts. They argue that this violation amounts to an apparent, serious breach of international humanitarian law. The organization has pressed the international community to hold responsible perpetrators of continual violations directed at its personnel and facilities.
For context, the Israeli military recently admitted to previous accusations of targeting a PRCS building in Khan Younis. They neither took responsibility, nor did they absolve themselves of any blame for the civilian casualties resulting from their military strikes. This vagueness invites additional doubt about the intent to safeguard medical services in Gaza while violent assaults on civilians continue to violate international norms.
Rising Casualties Amid Hostage Situation
As the war effort drags on, news leaks suggest that Hamas is holding 50 Israeli hostages, raising global alarm over their safety. The International Red Cross has described videos showing these hostages as “stark evidence of the life-threatening conditions” they endure.
An unnamed spokesman for the al-Qassam Brigades said they would not seek to starve the prisoners to death. This group happens to be the armed wing of Hamas. “The Al-Qassam Brigades do not intentionally starve the prisoners, but they eat what our Mujahideen and all our people eat,” he stated. They stand ready to partner with the Red Cross. Security for the long-haul. They’ve offered their services to help deliver food and medicine to the hostages.
The complicated geopolitical dynamics surrounding the hostages further complicate the story, flooding an already tragic situation with multiple layers of urgency. The humanitarian community continues to hope that international intermediaries will be able to manage their safe release.
International Response and Humanitarian Aid
Despite ongoing efforts to deliver aid, international agencies report that it is insufficient to meet the pressing needs of Gaza’s population. Countries have started air-dropping humanitarian supplies into the region, but access challenges continue because of Israel’s total blockade.
Egyptian state television reported some very good news. These two trucks, filled with over 100 tonnes of diesel each, will bring desperately needed fuel into Gaza. This delivery is key for hospitals and other critical facilities that are unable to get electricity, except through backup generators. Despite this help, humanitarian experts, like Dr.
Abdul Wahed Abu Saadeh, a local resident involved in refining fuel, described his hazardous work conditions, stating, “It is very dangerous. I have been burnt.” His testimony paints a vivid picture of the extreme lengths people are going to with backbreaking and dangerous petro-fuel insecurity. This fuel has a corrosive element that eats the motors away, he continued. He highlighted the public health impacts of relying on dirty fuel sources.
As humanitarian agencies work to address these compounding difficulties, they call on the international community to provide greater access and support. Representatives from the International Red Cross echoed, “We’re ready to continue serving as a neutral humanitarian intermediary. This process can go on for as long as hostages are held.”
