Hospitals in Gaza are facing the risk of further power failures as shortages of engine oil, fuel and spare parts threaten the generators keeping critical medical services running, the territory’s Health Ministry has warned.
The ministry said the remaining operational generators were running continuously under difficult technical and mechanical conditions, leaving them increasingly vulnerable to breakdowns.
Several hospital generators have already stopped working because of the shortages, while those still functioning are struggling to supply electricity to all departments providing life-saving care.
Gaza has been without a functioning electricity grid since the war began in October 2023, leaving hospitals heavily dependent on generators to power intensive care units, operating theatres, emergency departments and other essential services.
The shortages have forced some medical facilities to reduce services and ration the limited electricity available, according to health officials.
The crisis has also been compounded by a shortage of replacement parts needed to repair generators that break down, raising fears that additional failures could further disrupt treatment.
In September, Gaza health officials said about 70 per cent of hospital electricity generators were out of service because of shortages of fuel, engine oil and spare parts.
The ministry has called for urgent supplies to enter the territory to prevent further breakdowns and protect the operation of critical hospital departments.
The warning comes as Gaza’s healthcare system continues to struggle with the effects of prolonged conflict, damaged infrastructure and shortages of essential medical supplies.
With generators serving as the primary source of electricity for hospitals, further failures could disrupt services for patients who depend on continuous power for treatment and medical equipment.
