In a critical appeal for assistance, two prominent hospitals in Gaza have warned that ongoing fuel shortages, a result of the Israeli blockade, may soon turn these vital medical facilities into “silent graveyards.” Al-Shifa Hospital, located in northern Gaza City, and Nasser Medical Complex in southern Khan Younis, issued these urgent statements on Wednesday amid continued hostilities, which have tragically resulted in the loss of dozens of lives.
Muhammad Abu Salmiyah, the director of al-Shifa Hospital and the largest medical institution in Gaza, emphasized the dire predicament facing vulnerable populations, including over 100 premature infants and approximately 350 dialysis patients. He articulated that the cessation of fuel would lead to the collapse of essential services. If oxygen supply systems were to fail, he lamented that the hospital would effectively cease to fulfill its purpose, leaving its patients without care.
In a stark declaration, Abu Salmiyah highlighted that power shortages have already forced his hospital to shut down its dialysis unit to preserve energy for life-sustaining services like intensive care. He accused Israeli authorities of providing insufficient fuel supplies, which hinders the operation of healthcare facilities.
Nasser Medical Complex echoed these sentiments, declaring that it has entered a critical phase due to dwindling fuel reserves. Mohammed Sakr, a spokesperson for the facility, indicated that the complex requires 4,500 liters of fuel daily to continue operations, but currently has only enough to last 24 hours. Operating rooms are becoming increasingly compromised as medical staff conduct surgeries under extreme conditions, risking infection as sweat drips into open wounds.
The humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate, with documented attacks on healthcare facilities being a staggering reality. According to the World Health Organization, over 600 attacks have been recorded since hostilities escalated in October 2023. Tragically, more than 1,500 healthcare workers have lost their lives, adding to the already strained healthcare system, which is now overwhelmingly burdened with casualties.
Marwan al-Hams, director of field hospitals in Gaza, warned that a significant loss of life is imminent if fuel supplies are not urgently delivered. He noted that numerous premature infants, dialysis, and intensive care patients are among those at risk in the coming days.
The Israeli blockade, which has severely limited the entry of fuel into Gaza, has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis, leading to rationing of critical resources and crippling the healthcare infrastructure. The United Nations has called for an immediate and sufficient influx of fuel and medical supplies to avert an impending disaster.
In the face of such challenges, calls for compassion and humanitarian assistance continue to grow louder. Medical professionals, despite facing overwhelming odds, are committed to fighting for their patients’ lives. The international community now watches closely, hoping for a resolution that supports the health and welfare of Gaza’s citizens.
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